Day 2 of Imperial Valley Economic and Energy Summit focuses on jobs and clean energy
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The second day of the Imperial Valley Economic and Energy Summit focused on local jobs, clean energy, and making sure the whole region benefits from new investment.
At the "emPOWER the Valley" panel, speakers highlighted the need to train local workers for jobs tied to Lithium Valley and other clean energy efforts.
"It just makes sense that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, right? The one's powering the Valley and contributing so much to the renewable energy sector here are present," said Fabiola Moreno from IBEW Local 569.
"We're opening up two new apprenticeship programs, battery slash advanced manufacturing and medium-duty, heavy-duty clean vehicle mechanic apprenticeship programs, because we know that these skills are going to be needed, and IBEW 569 is training those members already," added Moreno.
Panelists also emphasized the importance of equity, especially for smaller communities in the Northend.
"It's time that the Northend matters, that there is life beyond Rutherford Road, to the north," said Ana Garcia of Northend Alliance 111, which advocates for towns like Niland, Calipatria, and Bombay Beach.
"If they want any postal services beyond the fact of having their mail delivered to them, they still need to drive to Calipat. So for those living in Niland, they were driving 16 miles roundtrip," Garcia added.
As Imperial Valley eyes a cleaner, more sustainable future, panelists agreed: It has to include everyone from workforce to infrastructure, and from city centers to rural corners.
