Whatever else we do, it won’t mean much unless we have a planet to do it on.
A new kind of bond, a climate bond, is on the ballot as Prop 4, asking that we approve $3.8 billion for water projects, including recycled wastewater, store groundwater, control flooding and of course, safe drinking water.
That’s just the water infrastructure.
Another $1.2 billion would be used to protect the coast from rising seas, and $1.5 billion would be spent on wildfire prevention. After the hundreds of thousands of acres burned this summer, that’s crucial.
According to the LA Times, the proposal requires that “at least 40% of the money go to projects that aid disadvantaged communities, defined as those where the median household income is less than 80% of the area average.”
Plenty will go to private industry as well, with $850 million slated for clean energy infrastructure.
As always, paying attention to the money is essential; almost $9 million is in favor of Prop 4, and not one dollar has been spent to oppose.
Vote Yes.
Judith Martin-Straw
