February 7, 2008

 

Last night was a turning point in our campaign for the development of state-wide water policy.

 

In Governor Riley’s State of the State address last night, he referred to the need for water policy and pledged to complete a statewide water assessment. His inclusion of water policy needs amongst crucial issues such as the state budget, education, and economic uncertainty is proof that our state’s leaders have heard the message about the need for water policy and are ready to take up the call.

 

But our work is not over yet. While Alabama does need an accurate assessment of our water resources, can we afford to wait the 5 to 10 years it would take to complete? Can the state afford extensive monitoring, assessment, and analysis at a time when our budget is stretched so thin? Should we stand by and wait until we have the funds for this assessment before we move forward with water policy?

 

There are so many steps on the path to the development and implementation of comprehensive state water policy. As this drought threatens to linger for at least one more year, we need to take some initial steps now. We can start now to build the framework for good water policy that will protect all water users and all river basins and watersheds. This framework can be further strengthened once the water assessment is complete.

 

Please write to Governor Riley and to your State Senator and Representative today and urge them to take immediate steps towards water policy.  Please thank Governor Riley for his attention to water policy and his continued work with water wars negotiations and ask him to increase the efforts towards state water policy.  Yes, we do need an assessment of our water resources, but we don’t have to stall everything while we wait for the funds and the results. We can start now to establish baseline policy needs such as: a water withdrawal permitting program; guidelines for interbasin transfers; considerations for ecosystem and downstream needs to protect fish and wildlife; mechanisms for large scale conservation; and more robust drought management.

 

These components can be drafted now, over the next few years, while the resource assessment is being performed. Urge your legislators to:

·               Take immediate action for water policy in 2008

·               Support the formation of a committee to begin the development of a policy

·               Incorporate public involvement in the development of policy

 

Let’s continue to build upon the success of the Alabama Water Agenda in making water policy an important issue in this state. Your voices and your action can keep moving this initiative in the right direction. Take Action today and keep the momentum going!!

 

Mail, email, or fax your comments to your state legislators.

To find legislative contact information, click here. To find your legislator by zip code, click here.

 

Mail your comments to the Governor at:

Governor Riley

State Capitol

600 Dexter Avenue

Montgomery, AL 36130

OR click here to email the Governor

 

For more information on instream flow policy, including a fact sheet and previous action alerts, visit www.AlabamaWaterAgenda.com. Don’t forget to make a note of any action you take and let us know so we can add your River Rewards!

 

Thank you for all you do for our water resources!

April