Water Justice Clinic Director Pannu speaks on environmental justice panel

Aoki Water Justice Clinic Director Camille Pannu spoke on a panel at the “Your Valley, Your Voice: Bringing Environmental Justice to San Joaquin Valley Communities” conference on May 18 in Visalia.

Pannu’s session was titled “Water Justice in the Valley: Are We Ducking or Meeting the Challenge?” Pannu addressed the structural (and legal) factors that drive water inequality for disadvantaged communities of color in the San Joaquin Valley. Pannu also discussed proposed legislation and ballot initiatives that focus on eliminating some of the barriers to safe and affordable drinking water.

The California Lawyers Association’s Environmental Law Section sponsored the event.

The Aoki Water Justice Clinic partners with stakeholders to improve the sustainability of rural water systems; advocate for the inclusion of rural and low-income communities in water-management decisions; and ensure all Californians have access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water.