The California State Assembly Select Committee on Renewable Energy Development and Restoration of the Salton Sea, met Tuesday, June 23 where Kevin E. Kelley, general manager of the Imperial Irrigation District, served as a panelist during the assembly committee hearing where he spoke about pertinent renewable energy issues in the context of the declining sea.

One of the points raised, was the effect of the ag-to-urban water transfers on the Salton Sea and the role geothermal/renewable energy can play in mitigating the impacts in helping to restore the sea while alleviating a public health crisis as the lake bed is exposed.

“The development of renewable energy resources in and around the Salton Sea represents a true water/energy nexus and can serve as a springboard to a smaller yet sustainable body of water that can also advance the state’s climate change goals,” said Kelley. “I applaud Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia and the Legislature for examining the sea’s potential and shining a spotlight on an opportunity we can’t afford to ignore.”

Thursday, June 25 will see the topic of The Salton Sea discussed again, at a public hearing being held in the state capitol by the Little Hoover Commission. The hearing will address air quality risk, restoration and California’s strategy for the Salton Sea.