FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2023

SALTON SEA, Calif.— California State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) today introduced a bill to establish a new state  conservancy to manage  projects to restore habitat, create recreational opportunities and minimize windblown dust at California’s beleaguered Salton Sea, the state's largest lake.

The  Salton Sea Partnership, comprised of Alianza  Coachella Valley, Audubon California, Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, Pacific Institute and Sierra Club California, applauds Senator Padilla for introducing this bill and looks forward to working with him on this important legislation during this session.

“The creation of a conservancy at the Salton Sea to oversee the acquisition and management of land, create infrastructure and act as a responsible steward of wildlife habitat areas is long overdue,” said Frank Ruiz, director of the Salton Sea Program for Audubon California, a member of the Salton Sea Partnership. “As many different entities come together to slow the Sea’s decline, coordination and communication are essential, and we thank Sen. Padilla for working to further that.”

"Consolidating state operations under one roof will help expedite the construction of new habitat and dust suppression projects at the Salton Sea and – by locating the new conservancy near the Sea itself – will make state programs much more responsive to local communities,” said Michael Cohen, senior associate at the Pacific Institute. "The new conservancy will be especially timely as the state shifts from planning to building projects and will help coordinate operations with local agencies."

“We support greater governance and accountability of the State at the Salton Sea, and we look forward to ensuring this Conservancy serves the best interests of local communities and wildlife.” said Erin Woolley, policy advocate for Sierra Club California.

#  #  #

CONTACT:
Jason Howe, jason.howe@audubon.org; 415-595-9245

About the Salton Sea Partnership
The Salton Sea Partnership is a group of policy, community and environmental non-profit organizations working with government agencies towards a healthy, vibrant Salton Sea.