"[A] legitimate private business, founded upon a local custom, may grow into a force to threaten the safety of the people, and destruction to public and private rights; and when it develops into that condition, the custom upon which it is founded becomes unreasonable, because dangerous to public and private rights, and cannot be invoked to justify the continuance of the business in an unlawful manner. Every business has its laws, and these require of those who are engaged in it to so conduct it as that it shall not violate the rights that belong to others. Accompanying the ownership of every species of property is a corresponding duty to so use it as that it shall not abuse the rights of other recognized owners."
Supreme Court of California, 1884
(People v. Gold Run Ditch and Mining)
Every citizen of California holds title to the streams and rivers flowing through this state, as these waters are held in the public trust, for the common good. Although the Supreme Court has long ruled that corporations cannot abridge these rights, the logging industry has evaded this law for decades, destroying domestic water supplies and fisheries with virtual impunity. Several upcoming decisions from the legislature and State Water Board could help change this, and people from across California are converging in Sacramento in August to reclaim our water rights.
State Water Board to Hear EPIC Appeals
Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on August 12, the State Water Board will hold an evidentiary hearing on EPIC's appeals of two exemptions granted to the logging industry under state water quality laws. The North Coast and Central Valley Regional Water Boards issued these exemptions, which affect millions of acres of public and private land.
EPIC is working with three prominent scientists, Dr. Bill Trush, Dr. Terry Roelofs, and Dr. Fred Euphrat, on this issue. These scientists are leading experts in the fields of biology, hydrology, geology, and forestry, and will testify on EPIC's behalf regarding the implications of these broad exemptions.
Members of the public may present comments to the State Water Board on August 12 starting at 10:00 a.m., and the hearing will likely continue through August 14. Witness EPIC's legal and science team in action and help reverse this exemption by attending this important hearing.
Date: August 12 - 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. on Aug. 12th;
9:00 a.m. on Aug. 13th-14th
Location: Coastal Hearing Room,
1001 I Street, 2nd Floor, Sacramento
Rally for Clean Water
Effective reforms are only achieved when a strong, unified voice of citizens commands action. On August 12, people are uniting for California's forests and watersheds, demanding protection from irresponsible logging operations at a rally at noon. Please join EPIC, the Sierra Club, special guests, and citizens from across the state to ensure this voice resonates through the Capitol and is elevated to a level that will not go unheard.
Date: August 12
Time: 12:00 noon
Location: TBA (please call EPIC at 707-923-2931)
The Virtual March on Sacramento
Lawmakers return to the legislative session on August 18, and it is imperative that they are quickly reminded that citizens will take nothing less than clean water and healthy forests. To ensure this message is loud and clear, please join a virtual march on Sacramento, sending faxes, letters, and emails to our legislators.
Date: August 18
Time: All day
Location: Your home or office
