The Newsom administration's proposed overhaul of California's carbon market is threatening to gut a critical source of funding for clean drinking water, leaving hundreds of thousands of Californians without access to safe and reliable water supplies. This is particularly concerning given the billions of dollars needed to fix the problem.
The Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) drinking water program, established in 2019, has been a lifeline for disadvantaged communities, providing over $1.8 billion in grants to improve water systems and access. However, the proposed changes to the carbon market could cut revenues in half, leaving no funding for SAFER or other essential programs.
This is a deeply troubling development, as it would mean that thousands of households and dozens of schools would lose access to emergency supplies and technical assistance. It would also mean that communities struggling with aging and contaminated water systems would be left to fend for themselves, with no funding to fix the problem.
The SAFER program has been a success, helping around 320 water systems serving 3.3 million people come off the state's failing list. It has also provided emergency repairs, technical assistance, and bottled water supplies to communities from San Bernardino to Tulare.
However, the proposed cuts to the carbon market funding would mean that these communities would be left to struggle with unsafe water supplies, with no funding to fix the problem. This is a stark reminder of the importance of investing in clean drinking water, and the devastating consequences of failing to do so.
The Newsom administration must reconsider its proposed changes to the carbon market, and ensure that funding for clean drinking water is protected. It is essential that we continue to invest in this critical infrastructure, and ensure that all Californians have access to safe and reliable water supplies.
In my opinion, the proposed cuts to the carbon market funding are a short-sighted and dangerous move. It is essential that we continue to invest in clean drinking water, and ensure that all Californians have access to safe and reliable water supplies. The future of our state's health and well-being depends on it.
