Some thoughts on achieving state legislative success for the Sierra’s

communities

Kris TjernellConservation Strategy Group

Overview

• Big opportunity for the Sierra on the horizon

• Recent DAC issue successes in Sacramento

• Learning from these successes to maximize Sierra-focused policy and public funding efforts

Big opportunity for the Sierra

Renegotiation of the 2014 Water Bond• Drinking water infrastructure• Wastewater treatment investments• Integrated Regional Water Management • Area of origin watershed protection

investments• Sierra Nevada Conservancy support

Recent DAC success in Sacramento

AB 823 – Human Right to Water• “It is hereby declared to be the established policy of

the state that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes.

Recent DAC success in Sacramento

AB 145 – Drinking water program reform• Would transfer the Department of Public Health’s

Drinking Water Program to the SWRCB. • Not to the finish line yet…but there’s strong

momentum.

Learning from success to achieve big things for Sierra communities

• Coalitions are critical• Broaden the constituency• Document the issues • Take advantage of friends in high places• Invest in media outreach• Most importantly: make it matter to those who

represent you (and to those that don’t)

Back to the presenting opportunity…

• Current Water Bond isn’t viable• Renegotiation is necessary

(and already beginning)• Renegotiation = new opportunities to ensure

significant public funding support for Sierra community priorities.

Thanks!

Hank Christensen