CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION ON THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Passed by the Delegates to the LWVC Convention, May 22, 2005
Whereas, The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) allows the public and decision-makers to get unbiased information about potential changes to the environment from proposed developments; and
Whereas, CEQA uniquely provides the opportunity for the public to be actively involved in the environmental and planning process; and
Whereas, CEQA has resulted in protection of California's environment and in improved developments; and
Whereas, CEQA is under attack from both the Legislature and the Administration; and
Whereas, The League of Women Voters of California has been a long-time supporter of CEQA; and
Whereas, LWVC's Legislative Committee has been actively monitoring proposed changes that will weaken CEQA; and
Whereas, Public input on proposed changes is being sought regionally and by local governmental entities, and local Leagues want to comment in support of CEQA; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the LWVC issue a statement in support of the California Environmental Quality Act to provide local Leagues with the ability to take action to protect CEQA.
RESOLUTION ON THE USA PATRIOT ACT
Passed by the Delegates to the LWVC Convention, May 22, 2005
Whereas, The League of Women Voters has long worked to protect civil liberties; and
Whereas, It is the position of the League of Women Voters of the United States that governmental bodies must protect the citizen's right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the League of Women Voters of California communicate immediately with Senator Dianne Feinstein. urging her, as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to do everything in her power to ensure that the process of deliberations concerning the USA PATRIOT Act be conducted in an open manner; the markup session not be held behind closed doors; there is no rush to the floor of the Senate for vote; and there is thorough consideration of the impact of the Act on civil liberties.
RESOLUTION ON AQUIFER PROTECTION
Passed by the Delegates to the LWVC Convention, May 22, 2005
Whereas, The LWVC water position states under Planning and Management of Water Resources that one of the goals is to support measures that "protect the natural environment in areas of both water origin and water use" (l.b.); and
Whereas, Conjunctive use involves treating aquifers as reservoirs for water management, thus threatening intact aquifers by allowing massive water exports from the basin of origin; and
Whereas, Aquifer protection is critical for the sustain-ability of statewide water resources; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the LWVC Board direct the Natural Resources Chair and the Water Program Directors to examine the existing LWVC water position and sustainability policy to determine whether they allow action to protect aquifers at basins of origin.
--LWVC
