CA, US & World
State, Federal Leaders Discuss Future Of Salton Sea & Impact To Surrounding Communities
“We all know that the Salton Sea is the source of these health issues and we need our representatives to act now,” North Shore Resident Conchita Pozar shared.
Progress continues on turning the Salton Sea into Lithium Valley.
State lawmakers and federal officials are focusing on the future of the Salton Sea with many saying the lithium deposits could change the economic landscape of the Coachella and Imperial Valley.
“Today’s meeting was historic because we have the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee here,” Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25) said. “I wanted him to see firsthand and hear from the communities, local communities, who work around the Salton Sea in order to continue the momentum and build the plan necessary for the investments in working with the Salton Sea and the Lithium Valley economy that we’re producing.”
Wednesday, Congressman Ruiz invited lawmakers from Arizona and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo to the roundtable discussion in North Shore.
There they reviewed longstanding ideas on how to successfully build Lithium Valley and the current conditions of the Salton Sea.
Most importantly, they heard more on the hazardous impacts the area has created around the community for decades.
“Now that the lake is drying up, we as residents do not know what impacts the lithium will have on our health,” Pozar continued. “We have also heard that the extraction of lithium will create new jobs and boost the economy but where are the opportunities for the residents of this area who will directly face the impacts of this process?”
The sea formed over 100 years ago when a portion of the Colorado River burst through a canal.
The body of water turned into a recreation area for valley residents complete with a yacht club but years of contamination from run off and neglect turned the water toxic.
The sea was thought to be a total loss until lithium deposits were discovered underground.
By hearing firsthand from those who live in the area, officials from the local to national level understand what’s at risk if Lithium Valley isn’t done the right way.
“The local reality is that this district is the most under-resourced district, the highest poverty level, that is facing the biggest public health impact around the Salton Sea,” Congressman Ruiz explained. “Therefore, any federal state investment that comes into promoting the Lithium Valley has to address the social conditions of the local communities and that point has been taken away from other dignitaries that I brought here.”
“We’re dealing with the situation that didn’t appear yesterday,” Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member and Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-07) shared. “ What’s going on at the Salton Sea has been known and as it recedes, it creates more exposure and more problems for the community in general, and for the industry as a whole that dominates this region, which is agriculture.”
“The potential that it could be a source for clean energy, i.e. lithium, how do you extract that? How do you make sure that there’s a direct benefit to the communities as a whole here,” Congressman Grijalva continued. “I really believe that the public input and the people have to be at the table, not at the table to serve lunch, but at the table to talk. People in this community need to be there.”
Congressman Ruiz said he hopes it will create a domestic supply of lithium batteries focused in the eastern Coachella Valley and said the key is to make sure it doesn’t just benefit big companies, but investments and opportunities for the communities that are the most under-resourced in the state.
By: Carmela Karcher
August 30, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Walls extending the play for the TD, 2) Aiden Pope with the 100 yard pick-six, 3) Adam Tremper breaking tackles for the TD, 4) Trey Boulton snagging the contested catch, or 5) Devin Session with the TD throw on the run #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
We’re in Palm Desert this morning as demonstrators gather for the No Kings rally, joining a nationwide day of protests and calls for political accountability. We’re talking with people at the rally about why they’re here and what they hope their voices will accomplish. Events are taking place across the country, with organizers also encouraging voter participation ahead of the election. Follow NBC Palm Springs for more voices and scenes from today’s rally. #NBCPalmSprings #PalmDesert #NoKings #CoachellaValley #Protest CommunityVoices
We’re in Cathedral City this morning for the No Kings: Vote Early event, joining communities across the country focused on getting voters to the polls. We’re talking with people here about why they came out and what motivated them to participate. Nearly 3,000 events are taking place nationwide to encourage early voting and civic engagement. Stay with NBC Palm Springs for local voices and perspectives from today’s event. #NBCPalmSprings #CathedralCity #NoKings #VoteEarly #CoachellaValley CommunityVoices
“NO KINGS: VOTE EARLY”: Residents gathered at Palm Springs City Hall for the “No Kings: Vote Early” event, sharing what brought them out and why making their voices heard matters. #NoKings #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #VoteEarly #civicengagement
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings
Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings
Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings
🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?