Prop 33: A Pivotal Step Towards a More Equitable and Sustainable California

California's future rests on the responsible stewardship of our state's natural resources. Proposition 33 (Prop 33) presents an unprecedented opportunity to address critical environmental challenges while fostering economic growth and creating jobs. By investing in water infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and wildfire prevention, Prop 33 will safeguard our communities, protect our ecosystems, and ensure a thriving California for generations to come.

Water Infrastructure: A Lifeline for California's Future

Water is the lifeblood of California's economy and ecosystems. However, our current infrastructure is aging and inadequate, posing a significant threat to public health and economic prosperity. Prop 33 allocates $6.8 billion for critical water infrastructure projects, including:

• Reservoir and dam repairs: Strengthening and modernizing aging water storage facilities to ensure a reliable water supply during droughts and floods.
• Water treatment plant upgrades: Investing in advanced technologies to improve water quality and protect public health.
• Water conservation and efficiency measures: Promoting water-saving practices and reducing water use in agriculture and urban areas.

According to the California Water Foundation, California's water infrastructure needs $100 billion in investment over the next decade. Prop 33 provides a substantial down payment on this essential need, safeguarding our water supply for future generations.

Climate Change Mitigation: Protecting Our Planet and Our Future

Climate change poses an existential threat to California, exacerbating wildfires, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. Prop 33 allocates $6.1 billion for climate change mitigation efforts, including:

• Renewable energy investments: Supporting the development of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Clean transportation initiatives: Promoting electric vehicles, public transit, and bicycle infrastructure to reduce transportation emissions.
• Carbon sequestration projects: Investing in technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that California must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Prop 33 provides crucial funding to help the state meet this ambitious goal.

Wildfire Prevention: Safeguarding Our Communities and Ecosystems

Wildfires have become an increasingly devastating problem in California, driven by climate change and years of forest mismanagement. Prop 33 allocates $5.3 billion for wildfire prevention measures, including:

• Fuel management: Removing flammable vegetation near communities and along roadways to reduce the risk of wildfires.
• Firefighting equipment and technology: Investing in state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and technology to enhance wildfire response capabilities.
• Forest health improvements: Restoring forests to a healthier state by thinning dense vegetation and reducing disease susceptibility.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection estimates that the state spends $3 billion annually on wildfire suppression. By investing in wildfire prevention, Prop 33 will reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires, saving lives, property, and taxpayer dollars.

Why Prop 33 Matters

Investing in our water infrastructure, mitigating climate change, and preventing wildfires is not just prudent policy, but an ethical imperative. By passing Prop 33, we can:

• Protect our communities: Enhance public safety, improve air quality, and safeguard our water supply.
• Preserve our ecosystems: Protect wildlife, fisheries, and natural landscapes that sustain our economy and well-being.
• Create jobs and boost the economy: Generate thousands of jobs in construction, renewable energy, and other sectors.
• Secure California's future: Ensure a vibrant and prosperous state for generations to come.

How Prop 33 Benefits Californians

Prop 33 will deliver tangible benefits to all Californians, including:

• Healthier air and water: Reduced air pollution, improved water quality, and a healthier environment.
• Lower energy costs: Increased renewable energy generation, leading to lower energy bills and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
• Increased safety: Reduced wildfire risk, improved water storage, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
• Economic prosperity: Job creation in clean energy, water management, and wildfire prevention sectors.

Call to Action

California faces unprecedented environmental challenges. Prop 33 provides a comprehensive and visionary solution to address these challenges and secure a sustainable future for our state. By investing in our water infrastructure, mitigating climate change, and preventing wildfires, we can build a brighter, more resilient California for generations to come.

Vote YES on Prop 33 to protect our communities, our planet, and our future.

Stories That Illustrate the Importance of Prop 33

The Devastating Camp Fire: In 2018, the Camp Fire ravaged Paradise, California, killing 86 people and destroying thousands of homes. The fire was fueled by years of drought and forest mismanagement, highlighting the urgent need for wildfire prevention measures.

_ What We Learn: Prop 33 will provide funding for fuel management, firefighting equipment, and forest health improvements to prevent future tragedies like the Camp Fire._

The California Drought: California has experienced a decades-long drought, which has strained water supplies and forced cities to implement water restrictions. Aging water infrastructure has contributed to water leaks and water quality problems.

_ What We Learn: Prop 33 will fund reservoir repairs, water treatment upgrades, and water conservation measures to ensure a reliable water supply for California's growing population._

The Rising Costs of Sea Level Rise: As global temperatures rise, sea levels are rising, threatening coastal communities in California. Salinization of groundwater and flooding of coastal infrastructure are becoming increasingly common.

_ What We Learn: Prop 33 will provide funding for shoreline protection, flood control measures, and research on sea level rise adaptation to protect our coastal communities._

Useful Tables

Water Infrastructure Investments

Climate Change Mitigation Investments

Wildfire Prevention Investments