by jsw [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

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[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Roger Patterson of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California shares a light moment with Senate President pro Tem Don Perata at press conference of supporters of Perata's water bond measure

By Frank D. Russo

In the special session yesterday, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water passed on a 5-1 party line vote
SBX2 2 (Perata), which would place a $6.8 billion bond measure on the February 5, 2008 ballot to provide funds for water supply reliability, delta sustainability, conservation and pollution cleanup, protection against invasive species, groundwater protection and water quality, and water recycling.

It would be known as "The Safe Drinking Water Act of 2008."

It goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee this morning and could be voted on by the entire Senate as early as today. Perata is not optimistic that it will be able to get the support of two-thirds of the Senate, which is required. He needs the votes of two Republican Senators to get to this number. Even if he does, the bill faces tough sledding in the Assembly.

by Crystal Strait [courtesy of Party Line]

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Rico Mastrodonato
Northern California Director
California League of Conservation Voters

The California League of Conservation Voters is a grassroots organization that represents over 35,000 members across the state – and I speak from the grassroots.

Every night we talk to hundreds of Californians one on one, Democrats, Republicans and Independents and the overwhelming feedback we hear is Californians care deeply about the environment. We care about clean air, safe drinking water and global warming – we care about our future. Californians also want their government to do more to protect the environment and the effects of climate change.

Senate Republicans are not listening to Californians. Senate Republicans want to gut the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) if they are to pass this budget. CEQA is our environmental ‘bill of rights’ and policy that was signed into law almost 40 years ago by then Governor Ronald Reagan. CEQA ensures we use the best technology and practices as we continue to grow and develop the state. CEQA will make sure we do our best to reduce global warming emissions when we expand refineries like the one I spoke in front of--Conoco-Phillips in Martinez Friday morning.