Brawley hosts 7th annual environmental summit

BRAWLEY, Calif. – Hundreds of people attended the 7th Annual Environmental Health Leadership Summit in Brawley on Saturday. State officials, regional and local leaders gave updates on work relating to the Salton Sea as well as other environmental issues that they said posed a threat to public health. Organizers said this was a unique opportunity for Imperial Valley residents to talk with state officials about how the environment affected their families.

Some state officials, like Natural Resources Defense Council Policy Advocate Linda Escalante, said they were impressed by the strong interest on the environment expressed by Imperial Valley people. They said they’re encouraged to see such active community participation.

“Climate Change, the Salton Sea, toxic chemicals, and in particular we want to hear the voices of residents here. What are their biggest concerns and what are their questions about all these programs and all these ideas on the problem side and on the solution side,” Escalante said.

The 7th Annual Environmental Health Leadership Summit is organized by Comite Civico del Valle, a local non-profit organization based in Brawley.