A hundred people gathered in Sacramento in July to stand before California Assembly members in support of Senate Bill 623, which clean water advocates hope will help solve the state’s drinking water crisis.
The bill is supported by a diverse coalition of agriculture and environmental justice groups, but it has also been criticized by some environmental groups and water agencies, including the Association of California Water Agencies.
A key component of the bill – how it will raise revenue for the fund – is being negotiated and the bill faces its biggest legislative test soon.