The coalition has conducted several informational rallies over the past few months to highlight the fact that homebuilders are projecting the construction of 24,000 homes in 2004 in the middle of a drought with no real contribution toward resolving the water shortage which would be magnified with this influx of homeowners. The coalition is calling for SMART GROWTH, suggesting a reduction in new homes, as opposed to homebuilder solutions revolving around smaller yards. Shell Sherman, Executive Administrator for the RSL coalition asserts, "We disagree with the builders. Minimizing yards and browning out parks cheats our children out of play areas. The answer to this problem is to grow in direct proportion to our resources." He goes on to suggest "perhaps we need to return to the methodology used in 1991 when they stopped accepting new applications for water usage until they could ascertain that the supply was sufficient."

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) claims it is trying to ensure that each customer class is impacted by drought measures as fairly as possible (2004 Water Resource Plan p. 19), seeking 25% conservation by 2010. Homeowners are permitted to water their yards once a week, expected to use commercial car washes that recycle water, while experiencing a price increase this past year. City and commercial customers have been asked to remove water displays and grass from landscape areas.

The coalition questions the fact that the SNWA has avoided imposing restrictions on homebuilders, whose industry demands the greatest amount of water (65%). Ray Isner, Political Coordinator for Teamsters Local 631, feels that "a reduction in growth would allow existing homeowners to enjoy what the homebuilders sold them when they bought their homes with front and back yards. The builders owe it to past customers to reduce new home construction by twenty-five percent (25%) for the next few years to enable them to enjoy their fountains, parks and yards."

The unions hold their position that conservation is a community effort and will only work if all parties participate equally. Todd Lair, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for the Plasterers and Cement Masons (OP&CMIA Local 797), noted "if the builders participate by reducing new home construction in 2004 from 24,000 homes down to 18,000, it will supplement the supply problem and support property value increases for previous customers."

The coalition will continue to ask homebuilders in this market to include the quality of life for existing residents during growth projections so as not to disregard consumers who have supported them to this point, at least until the water crisis is resolved. They will be conducting another rally outside of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association January 15, 2004 from 11:00am to 1:00pm, in hopes of influencing their participation in conservation.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Ray Isner of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,

+1-702-453-6310

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