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Search Results for: water is a human right

Human Right to Water Resolution

Human Right to Water Resolution

During the 2021 VA General Assembly, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light in collaboration with Food and Water Watch led the effort to pass the Human Right to Water Resolution (HJ538). Sponsored by Delegate Aird, the resolution presents that water is a human right. The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated and amplified the critical importance of water as a quality of life issue. For some residents, access to clean and affordable drinking water may be the difference between sickness and health or life and death. Virginians across the state have been and continue to be locked out of equitable water sources due to affordability challenges.

As the effects of climate change worsen, freshwater and groundwater are increasingly threatened by storm surges, sea-level rise, overuse, and drought. There are multiple ways that Virginia already experience these impacts including the Potomac Aquifer that provides water for 4 million Virginians is diminishing, and sea levels in the Hampton Roads region have risen 14 inches since 1950 in Virginia. Though we do not live in a desert, there are several growing threats to water access for VA residents, and it is imperative for the state of Virginia to acknowledge its responsibility to protect its water resources and ensure equity for its residents to access and afford water for growing food, cooking, bathing, and drinking. 

Though this resolution has passed in the General Assembly, it is only the first step in ensuring that water remains accessible, affordable, and potable for all Virginians. 

Learn more about the resolution by watching our telepresser event from 2020 with Delegate Aird and other local experts here.

Be sure to check out our General Assembly page to remain updated on our policy priorities.

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RELEASE: Governor Northam Increases Access to Clean Water

July 27, 2021
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| Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 27, 2021 CONTACTLeah Jones, Education Coordinator, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light(804) 514-1104, ljones@vaipl.org Interfaith Organization Applauds Governor Northam’s Proposal to Increase Access to Clean Water Richmond, VA – Today, Governor Northam…

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Are You #ThirstyForWaterJustice?

Human Right to Water Resolution
Virginia Water Justice
Water Justice Resources

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Sign Our Letter
Share Your Experiences

THE ISSUE

Equitable access to safe and clean drinking water is an integral component of basic human rights.  Pollutants from industry, antiquated water infrastructure, and rate increases are all threats to safe, clean water for rural communities, low-income populations, and communities of color. The United Nations suggests that the total expenditures on water and sanitation services together with any needed alternative source of clean water should not exceed 3 to 5 percent of household income. Using this standard, Virginians across the state have been and continue to be locked out of equitable access due to affordability challenges.

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In response to the Virginia State Water Control Board’s decisions to approve the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines

December 20, 2017
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VAIPL’s Statement in response to the Virginia State Water Control Board’s decisions to approve the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines On Thursday, December 7, the State Water Control Board voted 5-2 to approve…

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2021 General Assembly Priorities

VAIPL 2021 Policy Priorities 1) Support: Human Right to Water Resolution (HRTW) A resolution that proposes that water is a human right. The realities of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated and amplified the…

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Share Your Story Now

Tell us about your experiences with water! Although access to clean water is essential for everyday life, there are numerous Virginia families across the state that have been and continue to be locked out of equitable access to water. Pollutants from industry, antiquated water infrastructure, and rate increases are all threats to safe, clean water for rural communities, low-income populations, and communities of color. This lack of access to safe drinking water and higher vulnerability to contaminants disproportionately impacts these communities leading to increased exposure to water-related illnesses.  

This year, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light helped lead the effort to pass The Human Right to Water Resolution, calling for state legislators to recognize water as a basic human right. This is only the first step in our campaign to ensure all current and future Virginians have access to affordable water during times of pandemic and crisis as well as during times of peace. 

“Mní wičhóni,” a Lakota phrase, teaches us that water is life.  Water is sacred, water is life. 

Please join us in the effort to protect this invaluable and irreplaceable resource by signing the sign-on letter to VA legislators and by sharing your stories.

 Have you or your community ever experienced any of the following:

  • Water shutoffs due to high water bills?
  • Lack of easy access to drinkable water?
  • Lead and other contaminants in your drinking water?
  • Billing and payment administration challenges?
  • Water infrastructure failures?
Return to #ThirstyForWaterJustice

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RAISE Books and Videos

Books Caring for God’s World: Creative Ecology Ideas For Your Church, edited by Kristin Kemper. This 100-page guide is divided into children and youth sections, each containing several games, activities, crafts, songs, plays, and youth…

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Interfaith Organizations Merge, Strengthening Focus on Justice

December 17, 2018
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Interfaith Organizations Merge, Strengthening Focus on Justice Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy Commits to Environmental Justice Richmond, VA – Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) have…

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Interfaith Organizations Merge, Strengthening Focus on Justice

December 17, 2018
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2018 CONTACT Kendyl Crawford, Director, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (804) 505-4624, kcrawford@vaipl.org Interfaith Organizations Merge, Strengthening Focus on Justice Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy Commits to Environmental Justice Richmond, VA – Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light…

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Press Release – Interfaith Leaders Confront Environmental Racism in Virginia

October 21, 2017
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2017 CONTACT Kendyl Crawford 757-268-8810, kcrawford@vaipl.org Interfaith Leaders Confront Environmental Racism in Virginia RICHMOND, Virginia – On the heels of the efforts to begin repealing the Clean Power Plan…

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Virginia Interfaith Power & Light

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is the state affiliate of a national organization, Interfaith Power & Light, which is dedicated to bringing together all faith communities to mobilize a religious response to climate change through energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

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latest News
  • VAIPL Released a Report on Findings of the Community and Faith Leader’s Fact-Finding Delegation to Bristol, VA
    May 3, 2022
  • How The Gax Tax Suspension Hurts Virginians
    April 6, 2022
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