|
Dennis Kucinich on Environment
Democratic Representative (OH-10); Democratic Candidate for President
|
Water should forever be in the public domain
All water shall be considered to be forever in the public domain. It shall be the duty of each nation to provide accessible, affordable drinking water to its peoples. There shall be public ownership of drinking water systems, subject to municipal control
Wealthy nations shall provide poor nations with the means to obtain water for survival. Water shall be protected from commodification and exempted from all trade agreements. Water privatization shall not be a condition of debt restructuring, loan
renewal or loan forgiveness. Governments shall use their powers to prevent private aggregation of water rights. Water shall be conserved through sustainable agriculture and encouraging plant-based diets.
Water resources shall be protected from pollution. Our children should be educated about the essential nature of water for maintaining life.
Source: Campaign website, www.Kucinich.us, "On The Issues"
Aug 1, 2003
Bush's wetland rules would increase flooding
Overdevelopment of wetlands, which would accelerate under proposed Bush Administration rule changes, destroys nature's natural pollution filters and increases flooding.
Source: Campaign website, www.Kucinich.us, "On The Issues"
Aug 1, 2003
Clean, safe water is a human right
Make clean, healthy water a right for all, strengthening air and water protections. Regulation and enforcement against polluters will be increased, while environmentally responsible farmers and businesses will be rewarded and will work to
stop privatization of drinking water and sewer systems, will make a major investment in water system infrastructure, and will make a significant financial commitment to providing healthy drinking water to all the world's people.
Source: Campaign website, www.Kucinich.us, "On The Issues"
Aug 1, 2003
A clean environment is not a luxury
As President, I will lead the way in protecting our oceans, rivers and rural environments. I will also lead in fighting for clean, affordable and accessible drinking water. I have worked hand-in-hand with the environmental movement on many battles, from
thwarting a nuclear waste dump to boosting organics to demanding labels on genetically-engineered products. A clean environment, a sustainable economy, and an intact ozone layer are not luxuries, but necessities for our planet's future.
Source: Campaign website, www.Kucinich.us, "On The Issues"
Aug 1, 2003
Market-based system has no place in water distribution
Market economics need to be transformed so as to work in harmony with basic human needs for clean air and clean water. market-based systems which inevitably exclude the poor have no place in the distribution of water.
Water is a human right which must stand above market economics and privatization, just as many are learning of the risks of health care and energy left to the market.
Source: Speech at UN World Summit, in Prayer for America, p. 40
Aug 29, 2002
Water Marks: 10 principles for water protection
[I would] recommend a series of declarative sentences which can serve as the basis for a course of action. We shall call these ten principles "Water Marks."- All water shall be considered to be forever in the public domain.
- It shall be the duty
of each nation to provide accessible, affordable drinking water.
- There shall be public ownership of drinking water.
- Wealthy nations shall provide poor nations with the means to obtain water for survival.
- Water shall be protected from
commodification and exempted from all trade agreements.
- Water privatization shall not be a condition of debt restructuring, loan renewal, or loan forgiveness.
- Governments shall use their powers to prevent private aggregation of water rights.
-
Water shall be conserved through sustainable agriculture and encouraging plant-based diets.
- Water resources shall be protected from pollution.
- Our children shall be educated about the essential nature of water for maintaining life.
Source: Intl. Water Rights Conf., in Prayer for America, p.115-16
Jul 7, 2001
Rated 85% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes.
Kucinich scores 85% by the LCV on environmental issues
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the political voice of the national environmental movement and the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House. We run tough and effective campaigns to defeat anti-environment candidates, and support those leaders who stand up for a clean, healthy future for America. Through our National Environmental Scorecard and Presidential Report Card we hold Congress and the Administration accountable for their actions on the environment. Through regional offices, we build coalitions, promote grassroots power, and train the next generation of environmental leaders.
The 2003 National Environmental Scorecard provides objective, factual information about the environmental voting records of all Members of the first session of the 108th Congress. This Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which Members of Congress should be graded. LCV scores votes on the most important issues of the year, including environmental health and safety protections, resource conservation, and spending for environmental programs. Scores are calculated by dividing the number of pro-environment votes by the total number of votes scored. The votes included in this Scorecard presented Members of Congress with a real choice on protecting the environment and help distinguish which legislators are working for environmental protection. Except in rare circumstances, the Scorecard excludes consensus action on the environment and issues on which no recorded votes occurred.
Source: LCV website 03n-LCV on Dec 31, 2003