Azul releases ad on controversial desalination plant in California
February 16, 2021 –Azul today released a hard-hitting digital video advertisement calling out efforts by a water corporation’s controversial lobbyist to push for a massive oceanwater desalination plant in Orange County and recent decisions by Governor Newsom to promote the project. The video is intended to raise important questions about government transparency and access, and whether the governor is truly listening to environmental justice voices when it comes to this project.
Azul is one of a broad range of ratepayer advocates, environmental experts, and other community groups who are opposed to the boondoggle that will harm marine life, worsen the climate crisis, and raise water rates—at a time when Californians are already hurting; California households have accrued over $1 billion in water bill debt. Water experts point to several more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable water supply options available in the region, rendering the proposed desalination plant unnecessary.
“We are extremely concerned that the Newsom Administration is putting aside the interests of Latino families and taxpayers and eroding the human right to water because of political pressure from high-powered lobbyists hired by Poseidon,” says Andrea Leon-Grossmann, Azul’s climate action director. “This advertisement simply puts the spotlight on connections between Poseidon’s political and lobbying activities with recent actions by the Governor to promote the plant’s regulatory approval. We hope the Governor will open his eyes to see the horrendous impacts of this project and do what’s right to stop it.”
WATCH it here:
Fuera Poseidon – Protect the Human Right to Water from Azul on Vimeo.