Lieutenant Governor Newsom hopes to fix crisis in Salton Sea

Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom made a visit to Calipatria today, to see first-hand the problems in Salton Sea.
Newsom wants residents to hold him and the state accountable so in November so serious efforts can be made reinvest in the region’s geothermal energy potential.

Just 10 years ago, the Red Hill Marina was flowing with water. Today, it’s completely dry… receding from the banks of the Salton Sea approximately a foot per year.

Lieutenant Governor Newsom said, “and you see how in just ten years, the sea has contracted, and you see the air quality when you’re driving in. It’s perceptible. All of a sudden it hits and that just a wake up call to the fact you’re right. There’s a sense of true urgency.”

California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom’s visit to the Salton Sea is offering hope that change from the state may be on the way.

James Hanks, President of IID Board of Directors, says “and I got that feeling this time, that the lieutenant governor has really had his eyes open. As to not only what our issues are with the Salton sea but the potential in this area.”

The potential: renewable geothermal energy. The Salton Sea is already generating power for 50-thousand homes in Tempe, Arizona.

Additional investment could expand that number – and bring more energy jobs to Imperial Valley.
Lieutenant Governor Newsom emphasized “that this state is finally getting it’s act together. And recognizing what you have lived through. And the conditions here that have persisted for too long. That, now is time for us to do more and do better.”

Lt. Governor Newsom hopes to work with California lawmakers to find taxpayer money to help fund the Salton Sea expansion as early as the end of this year.