FEUER INTRODUCES BILL TO REDUCE PER CAPITA WATER USE 20 PERCENT BY 2020
California Political Desk
December 02, 2008
(Sacramento) Assemblymember Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) introduced Assembly Bill 49, which will reduce California´s urban per capita water use by 20 percent by December 31, 2020. The Governor called for such a reduction in a February 2008 directive. This bill is jointly authored by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), Chairman of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.
California is on the brink of a water crisis. Over 37 million people live in California today, and by 2020, the population will increase to over 42 million. We must promote stronger water efficiency standards now, or we will face severe statewide water shortages and irreparable environmental damage," said Feuer. "By setting targets on water use today, AB 49 will help ensure that Californians will enjoy safe, high quality water in the future."
Reduced water use in urban areas will help communities increase local water self-reliance. Currently, many communities depend on water from other parts of the state. By meeting the 20 percent reduction targets outlined in AB 49, such localities can decrease their dependence on water imports.
Water conservation has to be a part of any water management package," said Huffman. "Conservation does more than just help existing water supplies go further; it also helps to reduce ecosystem impacts, improve water quality, increase local water supply reliability, and reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions."
In addition to extending water supply, reduced usage through increased conservation provides significant environmental and energy benefits. The California Energy Commission estimates that water use contributes to 19 percent of the state´s electricity use and over 30 percent of non-power plant natural gas use. By limiting water consumption, the state can reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by energy consumption.
California is on the brink of a water crisis. Over 37 million people live in California today, and by 2020, the population will increase to over 42 million. We must promote stronger water efficiency standards now, or we will face severe statewide water shortages and irreparable environmental damage," said Feuer. "By setting targets on water use today, AB 49 will help ensure that Californians will enjoy safe, high quality water in the future."
Reduced water use in urban areas will help communities increase local water self-reliance. Currently, many communities depend on water from other parts of the state. By meeting the 20 percent reduction targets outlined in AB 49, such localities can decrease their dependence on water imports.
Water conservation has to be a part of any water management package," said Huffman. "Conservation does more than just help existing water supplies go further; it also helps to reduce ecosystem impacts, improve water quality, increase local water supply reliability, and reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions."
In addition to extending water supply, reduced usage through increased conservation provides significant environmental and energy benefits. The California Energy Commission estimates that water use contributes to 19 percent of the state´s electricity use and over 30 percent of non-power plant natural gas use. By limiting water consumption, the state can reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by energy consumption.
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