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Keep the Local Water Board Strong

Demand the Reappointment of David Nahai

The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has been the driving force behind recent efforts to clean up LA County’s storm drains and beaches. A prominent leader on the Los Angeles Regional Board, David Nahai has served as a member since 1997 and led as the Chairman from 1999 through 2001. Nahai’s role is increasingly important as he has been a cornerstone of the Regional Board’s recent efforts to curb pollution in Los Angeles waters. The continued leadership of Nahai is in jeopardy as a small group of inland cities work to convince Governor Schwarzenegger to withhold Nahai’s reappointment.

Under Nahai’s leadership, the Los Angeles Regional Board has actively advanced state regulations to control the massive litter and water quality pollution problems facing Los Angeles waters. Nahai’s expert understanding of the relevant state and federal law, and his professional legal experience, have been invaluable in ensuring that these efforts are upheld during administrative review by the State Water Resources Control Board, and by the state and federal courts.

Recent achievements led by the LA Regional Board include:

• Ordering local governments to clean up bacteria pollution streaming into Santa Monica Bay through storm drains, resulting in the improvement of beach safety for 44 beaches that serve 55 million to 60 million beachgoers annually
• Requiring that city and county officials make sure no coastal waters in the bay exceed safe bacteria levels during dry winter days
• Approving plans to scale back trash that is often swept by runoff into the sea
• Planning for the reduction of toxic metals and chemical pollutants that harm marine life

The recent passage of the city of Los Angeles’ Proposition O for clean beaches and water came with overwhelming public support – 75.8%. Such strong approval for the $500 million dollar clean water bond serves as public affirmation of the LA Regional Board’s efforts to clean up polluted storm water, and bacteria in the City's rivers, lakes, beaches and ocean.

Nahai recognizes the fundamental truth that clean water equals a healthy economy. As a former Wilson and Davis appointee, he is committed to creating bipartisan agreement to find solutions that can work for all parties. Because leaders of some inland cities do not want to comply with the LA Regional Board’s trash control measures to protect the coast, they are working to convince Schwarzenegger to weaken the Board by not reappointing Nahai. We must defeat this effort by demanding Nahai’s reappointment and reminding the Governor how much Californians value the safety of their beaches and water.

What You Can Do

Urge Governor Schwarzenegger to reappoint David Nahai to serve on the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board: (916) 445-4541

Victory! David Nahai was reappointed to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board December 1st! In a very short campaign that spanned the Thanksgiving holiday, CLCV generated over 100 calls (including dozens of calls passed directly through) to the Governor's office.

In Nahai's words, "This turned out to be a real epic battle which reached very high levels (Members of Congress, State Senators, Assembly Members, County Supervisors, City Council Members and even a US Senator weighed in). CLCV played an absolutely crucial role in the final outcome."