Eduardo Garcia will be holding his first select committee hearing today, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the State Capitol. The Assembly Select Committee on Renewable Energy Development and Restoration of the Salton Sea will be looking into the role of the Salton Sea’s geothermal resource in the context of the state’s renewable energy and climate goals.

“The Salton Sea’s geothermal resources is largely untapped and can provide up to 2,000 megawatts of energy – enough to provide power to approximately 1 million homes,” said Assembly member Garcia. “The clock is ticking and water transfers are scheduled in 2017 per the QSA, which will increase the rate at which the Salton Sea declines. Developing the renewable energy resources can help mitigate the impacts of the shrinking sea, and help contribute towards the renewable energy goals of the state. There are significant negative impacts associated with the shrinking sea—and something has to be done.”

The Select Committee on Renewable Energy Development and Restoration of the Salton Sea will focus on the opportunities and challenges surrounding development of renewable energy projects and the implementation of environmental restoration plans of the Salton Sea area.