Miller’s Lawsuit
It must be made clear that Miller Brewing Co. emphatically supports water conservation and recycling projects. We have been members of the Southland community for over 20 years and understand fully that we need to prepare for droughts such as the one we experienced in the early ‘90s.
What we filed a lawsuit (Sept. 14) against is the current design of the project as proposed by the Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District. Specifically, the lack of proven technological safeguards that can help (not guarantee) minimize the possibility of an environmental catastrophe. For over two years, Miller has made specific recommendations to improve the project, but the water purveyors have responded by saying that those safeguards are too expensive and would not make the project cost-effective.
It is unfortunate that Miller Brewing is being portrayed as a company that would like to stop the project to protect its own self-serving interests. In fact, all or most of the companies that use water in their process or products that are in the affected area are concerned about their future. Miller Brewing is the focal point because we were willing to ask questions.
The issue is not Miller Brewing Co. The issue is the health and safety of over 1 million residents of the San Gabriel Valley. While the valley can survive without Miller Brewing, it can’t survive without clean drinking water.
VICTOR FRANCO
Public Affairs, Irwindale Brewery
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
