SCR3 - Safe Drinking Water Act: 50th anniversary.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3 CHAPTER 111 Relative to the Safe Drinking Water Act. [ Filed with Secretary of State July 03, 2025. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SCR 3, Laird. Safe Drinking Water Act: 50th anniversary. This measure would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill Text WHEREAS, Access to clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to the health, well-being, and prosperity of all people; and WHEREAS, December 16, 2024, marks the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act or SDWA, landmark legislation signed into law by President Gerald Ford in 1974, which established vital protections to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in the United States; and WHEREAS, The Safe Drinking Water Act has played a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by regulating contaminants in public water systems, establishing national drinking water standards, and requiring regular testing and reporting to ensure that communities have access to clean, safe drinking water; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, California has made significant investments to enhance and expand access to safe drinking water, particularly in disadvantaged communities that have been historically underserved; and WHEREAS, Governor Newsom’s administration has championed the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience Program, which aims to provide long-term solutions for communities that lack access to safe drinking water by consolidating systems, upgrading failing infrastructure, and providing emergency support where needed; and WHEREAS, The administration has allocated over $1.3 billion in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, ensuring that critical upgrades to outdated systems are made to meet 21st century standards; and WHEREAS, The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment, including ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for all residents of California; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Secretary Yana Garcia, CalEPA has prioritized equity and environmental justice by focusing on improving water quality in disadvantaged communities and communities of color that have historically been underserved and disproportionately impacted by unsafe drinking water; and WHEREAS, The State of California, as a leader in environmental stewardship and public health, has consistently implemented and enforced the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, furthering its commitment to ensuring that all Californians have access to clean and safe drinking water, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, and adopted the human right to water act, the first in the nation; and WHEREAS, California has led the nation in adopting innovative drinking water standards, including the regulation of emerging contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, hexavalent chromium, and microplastics, developing advanced water treatment technologies, and promoting efforts to secure sustainable water resources in the face of climate change and drought; and WHEREAS, The continued success of the Safe Drinking Water Act has been bolstered by the dedicated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the many scientists, engineers, public health professionals, and water utility operators who work tirelessly to maintain and improve water quality for all; and WHEREAS, The 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act provides an opportunity to recognize the significant progress made in ensuring safe drinking water and to renew our commitment to meeting the challenges of the future, including addressing water system vulnerabilities, improving infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water for all Californians; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature takes great pride in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, celebrates the achievements and progress made under this essential law, and expresses its commitment to the continued protection and improvement of California’s drinking water resources; and be it further Resolved, That the Legislature honors the ongoing efforts of those who work to ensure the safety of drinking water and encourages all Californians to recognize the importance of safe drinking water in promoting public health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity; commends our local, state, and federal partners for continuing its long history of providing drinking water protections; and conveys best wishes for a future filled with continued success and enduring commitment to serve all Californians wholesome and pure drinking water; and be it further Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.