(IRVINE, CA) – Yesterday, Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) moderated UCI’s 2023 Water Policy Forum in his role as Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water. Senator Min convened an expert panel to discuss Orange County water policies and management. Panelists included David Feldman, UCI Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy Director at Water UCI; Megan Yoo Schneider, Board President of the Municipal Water District of Orange County; Paul Cook, General Manager of the Irvine Ranch Water District; and Katharine Moore, Staff Director of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water. The forum served as an opportunity for members of the public and policy experts to learn more about this essential and vulnerable natural resource.
“When we’re facing tough challenges like water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, it’s more important than ever to bring together smart, innovative people to find sustainable solutions. We need water management strategies that are as diverse and adaptable as our communities,” said Senator Min. “Making sure everyone has access to water and listening to different voices when making decisions isn’t just the right thing to do—they’re essential for making our water policies work. The ideas and insights we gathered today at the Water Policy Forum are going to play a big role in securing a future where water is available and sustainable for all Californians.”
“UC Irvine and the School of Social Ecology are dedicated to not only studying social problems but also helping to solve them,” said Jon B. Gould, Dean of the School of Social Ecology. “In this spirit, we were honored and delighted to welcome Senator Min and fellow experts to campus to discuss water policy, an issue of concern across of California. We are especially appreciative of the Senator’s leadership to help secure support for UC Irvine’s Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable and Able Leaders (IDEAL) for Water Program, which will benefit many throughout Orange County and beyond.”
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, Senator Min presented a symbolic check of $1 million to UC Irvine for its Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Able Leaders (IDEAL) for Water Program. The Program promotes education, training, and career placement of under-represented groups in the water’s water sector and will ensure that Orange County remains a world leader in water conservation.
UC Irvine has posted background and footage of the event YouTube.
