Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on the Salton Sea

Report #232, June 2016
Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on the Salton Sea

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2016

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Renews Call for Speedy Action at the Salton Sea 

The Little Hoover Commission in a letter sent Friday to Governor Brown and the Legislature again renewed its call for urgent action at the Salton Sea to prevent a massive public health, environmental and economic disaster in Southern California.

Policymakers must replicate the effective approach taken to meet the state’s rewewable energy goals, wrote the Commission in its letter. Then, the Govenor gave a senior official the authority to do what it took to get projects through red tape at all levels of government. The model was remarkably simple: Get everyone together and get it done.

The letter results from continuing oversight to which the Commission pledged in its 2015 report, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea. The Commission held an April 2016 hearing to get an update on the state’s progress in strategically managing the Salton Sea. It heard from the assistant secretary for Salton Sea policy at the Natural Resources Agency, as well as stakeholders from local government and the environmental community.

The Commission’s letter acknowledges that momentum is building and that the state has made important progress in managing the sea, particularly with $80 million in funding in the Governor’s proposed 2016-17 budget. However, the Commission’s letter maintains that the state is not moving fast enough or allocating sufficient resources to prevent a disaster. Timelines have been delayed, short-term goals scarcely cover a fraction of exposed lakebed and much more than $80 million is needed to manage the sea.

In its June 24, 2016, letter, the Commission recommends:

  • Making the Salton Sea a priority for the administration and policymakers equal to high speed rail, the twin tunnels, reduced carbon emissions and increased renewable energy. Streamline and expedite contracting and enact legislation to ensure any lawsuits related to the proposed projects are resolved quickly.
     
  • Ensuring adequate resources to fast track short-term projects and expedite long-term planning.
     
  • Developing and publishing a detailed timeline for project implementation.
     
  • Assessing project and operations and maintenance costs and developing a long-term funding strategy.
     

The Little Hoover Commission will continue its oversight function by requesting a briefing in 2017 on long-term planning for the Salton Sea.

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan and independent state agency charged with recommending ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs. The Commission’s recommendations are submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for their consideration and action. For a copy of the report, visit the Commission’s website: www.lhc.ca.gov. 

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission revisited its September 2015 review of Salton Sea environmental mitigation and strategic management, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea. The Commission’s report, citing an impending air quality, public health and ecological crisis at the shrinking inland desert lake that straddles Imperial and Riverside counties, called for the state to take immediate action to begin addressing the anticipated impacts. Specifically, the Commission urged the California Natural Resources Agency to begin implementing shovel-ready projects, and the Governor and the Legislature to immediately begin planning and funding the next phase of Salton Sea projects while developing a long-term plan. 

The defining environmental condition at the Salton Sea is lack of fresh water to sustain its size, plus an ever-increasing salinity. Biologists believe the sea is headed for ecological collapse as fish species die out and migrating birds find no food.  Further, the seabed harbors nearly a century’s accumulation of toxins from agricultural runoff. As the sea recedes, desert winds are expected to sweep saline dust and toxins into the air, threatening the air quality for neighboring residents and potentially, much of the Los Angeles region.

The Commission’s report encouraged the newly-appointed assistant secretary for Salton Sea policy at the Natural Resources Agency to immediately begin working with the Governor’s Salton Sea Task Force and stakeholders to expedite construction projects, policy recommendations and funding priorities to meet mitigation and management goals. The Commission, in accordance with its oversight responsibility, also stated that it would hold a hearing in April 2016 to learn the progress the state has made in implementing the currently-permitted projects.

The Commission scheduled a public hearing on Monday, April 25, to follow up on issues raised in its 2015 report and to assess the progress of implementing its Salton Sea recommendations to avert environmental disaster in Southern California.


Previous Studies

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission renews its September 2015 call for urgent action at the Salton Sea to prevent a massive public health, environmental and economic disaster in Southern California. This report updates and builds on recommendations the Commission made in a 2015 report, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea. 

During its review, the Commission found the state is still not moving fast enough or allocating sufficient resources to prevent an economic, public health and environmental disaster.

The Commission recommends making the Salton Sea a top priority.

Print Agenda
  • March 23
    2017
    Business Meeting
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA 95814
     

    1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary, Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Christine Baker, Director, California Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Marybel Batjer, Secretary, Government Operations Agency (Written Testimony)
       
    4. Business Meeting Minutes from February 13 & 26, 2017
       
    5. Officer Elections
       
    6. Subcommittee Reports and Project Selection
       
    7. Implementation
       
    8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
       

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 13, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, March 23, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a business meeting to hear updates on implementation from five Commission reports released in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

    These reports include:

    Addressing the Salton Sea study will be Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Discussing the underground economy study, will be Christine Baker, Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations. Regarding the civil services reform and government interactions studies, the Commission will hear from Marybel Batjer, Secretary of the Government Operations Agency. Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the attached agenda.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 16, 2017.

    Video
  • April 25
    2016
    Salton Sea Strategic Management Revisit
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Revisiting the Salton Sea Strategic Management
    Monday, April 25, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA 


    Opening Remarks

    Strategically Managing the Salton Sea from the State and Local Perspectives

    1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
    1. Phil Rosentrater, General Manager/Executive Director, Salton Sea Authority (Written Testimony)
    • Attachment 1 - AB 71 Bill Language
       
    • Attachment 2 - AB 1095 Bill Language
       
    • Attachment 3 - Summary of Salton Sea Funding and Feasibility Action Plan
       
    • Attachment 4 - Salton Sea Authority Ad Hoc Committees
       
    • Attachment 5 - Salton Sea Authority White Paper on Water Bond
       
    • Attachment 6 - Salton Sea Authority Funding Workgroup Federal and State Funding Sources
       
    1. Antonio Ortega, Government Affairs/Communications Officer, Imperial Irrigation District (Written Testimony)
       

    The Impact on Air Quality

    1. Brad Poiriez, Air Pollution Control Officer, Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (Written Testimony)
       

    The Environmental Community’s Assessment of Progress

    1. Michael Cohen, Senior Research Associate, Pacific Institute (Written Testimony)
    • Attachment 1 - NGO Support Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - February 2015
       
    • Attachment 2 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - March 2015
       
    • Attachment 3 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Task Force - May 2015
       
    • Attachment 4 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - October 2015
       
    • Attachment 5 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - November 2015
       
    • Attachment 6 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - December 2015
       
    • Attachment 7 - Report Evaluating a Proposal for Conversion of the Salton Sea Ecosystem
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 11, 2016

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Monday, April 25, 2016, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing to revisit the progress the state has made in managing the Salton Sea, as outlined in its September 2015 report, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In that study, the Commission found the state had been mired in a seemingly endless study process that frequently was sidetracked by stakeholders unable to compromise or accept budgetary realities. As the Commission conducted its study process, however, the state began taking action on the Salton Sea. Notably, in May 2015, the administration convened a Salton Sea Task Force, which later released agency-specific action items on managing the Salton Sea. In September 2015, the Governor appointed an assistant secretary for Salton Sea policy within the Natural Resources Agency. Acknowledging the growing momentum, the Commission recommended the state look for ways to expedite projects, explore means to raise funds and begin planning the next phase of projects, and committed to following up on the state’s short- and medium-term plans in April 2016.

    At the hearing, the Commission will first hear from the assistant secretary for Salton Sea Policy in the Natural Resources Agency; the general manager/executive director for the Salton Sea Authority; and the government affairs and communications officer for the Imperial Irrigation District on the state’s short- and medium-term plans for the Salton Sea, its planning process and the role of the local agencies. It then will hear from the air pollution control officer for the Imperial County Air Pollution ControlDistrict on his role in the planning process and the impact the short- and medium-term plans would have on air quality. Following them will be a senior research associate for the Pacific Institute, who will present the environmental community’s perspective on the state’s process and plans.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Room 175 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website,www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, April 18, 2016.

    Video
March 23
2017
Business Meeting
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Business Meeting
Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA 95814
 

  1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary, Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Christine Baker, Director, California Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Marybel Batjer, Secretary, Government Operations Agency (Written Testimony)
     
  4. Business Meeting Minutes from February 13 & 26, 2017
     
  5. Officer Elections
     
  6. Subcommittee Reports and Project Selection
     
  7. Implementation
     
  8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
     

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, March 23, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a business meeting to hear updates on implementation from five Commission reports released in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

These reports include:

Addressing the Salton Sea study will be Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Discussing the underground economy study, will be Christine Baker, Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations. Regarding the civil services reform and government interactions studies, the Commission will hear from Marybel Batjer, Secretary of the Government Operations Agency. Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the attached agenda.

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Video
April 25
2016
Salton Sea Strategic Management Revisit
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Revisiting the Salton Sea Strategic Management
Monday, April 25, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA 


Opening Remarks

Strategically Managing the Salton Sea from the State and Local Perspectives

  1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
  1. Phil Rosentrater, General Manager/Executive Director, Salton Sea Authority (Written Testimony)
  • Attachment 1 - AB 71 Bill Language
     
  • Attachment 2 - AB 1095 Bill Language
     
  • Attachment 3 - Summary of Salton Sea Funding and Feasibility Action Plan
     
  • Attachment 4 - Salton Sea Authority Ad Hoc Committees
     
  • Attachment 5 - Salton Sea Authority White Paper on Water Bond
     
  • Attachment 6 - Salton Sea Authority Funding Workgroup Federal and State Funding Sources
     
  1. Antonio Ortega, Government Affairs/Communications Officer, Imperial Irrigation District (Written Testimony)
     

The Impact on Air Quality

  1. Brad Poiriez, Air Pollution Control Officer, Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (Written Testimony)
     

The Environmental Community’s Assessment of Progress

  1. Michael Cohen, Senior Research Associate, Pacific Institute (Written Testimony)
  • Attachment 1 - NGO Support Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - February 2015
     
  • Attachment 2 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - March 2015
     
  • Attachment 3 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Task Force - May 2015
     
  • Attachment 4 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - October 2015
     
  • Attachment 5 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - November 2015
     
  • Attachment 6 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - December 2015
     
  • Attachment 7 - Report Evaluating a Proposal for Conversion of the Salton Sea Ecosystem
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2016

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Monday, April 25, 2016, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing to revisit the progress the state has made in managing the Salton Sea, as outlined in its September 2015 report, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In that study, the Commission found the state had been mired in a seemingly endless study process that frequently was sidetracked by stakeholders unable to compromise or accept budgetary realities. As the Commission conducted its study process, however, the state began taking action on the Salton Sea. Notably, in May 2015, the administration convened a Salton Sea Task Force, which later released agency-specific action items on managing the Salton Sea. In September 2015, the Governor appointed an assistant secretary for Salton Sea policy within the Natural Resources Agency. Acknowledging the growing momentum, the Commission recommended the state look for ways to expedite projects, explore means to raise funds and begin planning the next phase of projects, and committed to following up on the state’s short- and medium-term plans in April 2016.

At the hearing, the Commission will first hear from the assistant secretary for Salton Sea Policy in the Natural Resources Agency; the general manager/executive director for the Salton Sea Authority; and the government affairs and communications officer for the Imperial Irrigation District on the state’s short- and medium-term plans for the Salton Sea, its planning process and the role of the local agencies. It then will hear from the air pollution control officer for the Imperial County Air Pollution ControlDistrict on his role in the planning process and the impact the short- and medium-term plans would have on air quality. Following them will be a senior research associate for the Pacific Institute, who will present the environmental community’s perspective on the state’s process and plans.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Room 175 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website,www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, April 18, 2016.

Video
Print Agenda
  • March 23
    2017
    Business Meeting
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA 95814
     

    1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary, Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Christine Baker, Director, California Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Marybel Batjer, Secretary, Government Operations Agency (Written Testimony)
       
    4. Business Meeting Minutes from February 13 & 26, 2017
       
    5. Officer Elections
       
    6. Subcommittee Reports and Project Selection
       
    7. Implementation
       
    8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
       

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 13, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, March 23, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a business meeting to hear updates on implementation from five Commission reports released in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

    These reports include:

    Addressing the Salton Sea study will be Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Discussing the underground economy study, will be Christine Baker, Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations. Regarding the civil services reform and government interactions studies, the Commission will hear from Marybel Batjer, Secretary of the Government Operations Agency. Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the attached agenda.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 16, 2017.

    Video
  • April 25
    2016
    Salton Sea Strategic Management Revisit
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Revisiting the Salton Sea Strategic Management
    Monday, April 25, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA 


    Opening Remarks

    Strategically Managing the Salton Sea from the State and Local Perspectives

    1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
    1. Phil Rosentrater, General Manager/Executive Director, Salton Sea Authority (Written Testimony)
    • Attachment 1 - AB 71 Bill Language
       
    • Attachment 2 - AB 1095 Bill Language
       
    • Attachment 3 - Summary of Salton Sea Funding and Feasibility Action Plan
       
    • Attachment 4 - Salton Sea Authority Ad Hoc Committees
       
    • Attachment 5 - Salton Sea Authority White Paper on Water Bond
       
    • Attachment 6 - Salton Sea Authority Funding Workgroup Federal and State Funding Sources
       
    1. Antonio Ortega, Government Affairs/Communications Officer, Imperial Irrigation District (Written Testimony)
       

    The Impact on Air Quality

    1. Brad Poiriez, Air Pollution Control Officer, Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (Written Testimony)
       

    The Environmental Community’s Assessment of Progress

    1. Michael Cohen, Senior Research Associate, Pacific Institute (Written Testimony)
    • Attachment 1 - NGO Support Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - February 2015
       
    • Attachment 2 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - March 2015
       
    • Attachment 3 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Task Force - May 2015
       
    • Attachment 4 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - October 2015
       
    • Attachment 5 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - November 2015
       
    • Attachment 6 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - December 2015
       
    • Attachment 7 - Report Evaluating a Proposal for Conversion of the Salton Sea Ecosystem
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 11, 2016

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Monday, April 25, 2016, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing to revisit the progress the state has made in managing the Salton Sea, as outlined in its September 2015 report, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In that study, the Commission found the state had been mired in a seemingly endless study process that frequently was sidetracked by stakeholders unable to compromise or accept budgetary realities. As the Commission conducted its study process, however, the state began taking action on the Salton Sea. Notably, in May 2015, the administration convened a Salton Sea Task Force, which later released agency-specific action items on managing the Salton Sea. In September 2015, the Governor appointed an assistant secretary for Salton Sea policy within the Natural Resources Agency. Acknowledging the growing momentum, the Commission recommended the state look for ways to expedite projects, explore means to raise funds and begin planning the next phase of projects, and committed to following up on the state’s short- and medium-term plans in April 2016.

    At the hearing, the Commission will first hear from the assistant secretary for Salton Sea Policy in the Natural Resources Agency; the general manager/executive director for the Salton Sea Authority; and the government affairs and communications officer for the Imperial Irrigation District on the state’s short- and medium-term plans for the Salton Sea, its planning process and the role of the local agencies. It then will hear from the air pollution control officer for the Imperial County Air Pollution ControlDistrict on his role in the planning process and the impact the short- and medium-term plans would have on air quality. Following them will be a senior research associate for the Pacific Institute, who will present the environmental community’s perspective on the state’s process and plans.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Room 175 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website,www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, April 18, 2016.

    Video
March 23
2017
Business Meeting
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Business Meeting
Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA 95814
 

  1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary, Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Christine Baker, Director, California Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Marybel Batjer, Secretary, Government Operations Agency (Written Testimony)
     
  4. Business Meeting Minutes from February 13 & 26, 2017
     
  5. Officer Elections
     
  6. Subcommittee Reports and Project Selection
     
  7. Implementation
     
  8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
     

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, March 23, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will hold a business meeting to hear updates on implementation from five Commission reports released in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol.

These reports include:

Addressing the Salton Sea study will be Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Discussing the underground economy study, will be Christine Baker, Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations. Regarding the civil services reform and government interactions studies, the Commission will hear from Marybel Batjer, Secretary of the Government Operations Agency. Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the attached agenda.

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Video
April 25
2016
Salton Sea Strategic Management Revisit
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Revisiting the Salton Sea Strategic Management
Monday, April 25, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA 


Opening Remarks

Strategically Managing the Salton Sea from the State and Local Perspectives

  1. Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy, California Natural Resources Agency (Written Testimony)
  1. Phil Rosentrater, General Manager/Executive Director, Salton Sea Authority (Written Testimony)
  • Attachment 1 - AB 71 Bill Language
     
  • Attachment 2 - AB 1095 Bill Language
     
  • Attachment 3 - Summary of Salton Sea Funding and Feasibility Action Plan
     
  • Attachment 4 - Salton Sea Authority Ad Hoc Committees
     
  • Attachment 5 - Salton Sea Authority White Paper on Water Bond
     
  • Attachment 6 - Salton Sea Authority Funding Workgroup Federal and State Funding Sources
     
  1. Antonio Ortega, Government Affairs/Communications Officer, Imperial Irrigation District (Written Testimony)
     

The Impact on Air Quality

  1. Brad Poiriez, Air Pollution Control Officer, Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (Written Testimony)
     

The Environmental Community’s Assessment of Progress

  1. Michael Cohen, Senior Research Associate, Pacific Institute (Written Testimony)
  • Attachment 1 - NGO Support Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - February 2015
     
  • Attachment 2 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - March 2015
     
  • Attachment 3 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Task Force - May 2015
     
  • Attachment 4 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - October 2015
     
  • Attachment 5 - NGO Letter to Salton Sea Assistant Secretary - November 2015
     
  • Attachment 6 - NGO Comment Letter to State Water Resources Control Board - December 2015
     
  • Attachment 7 - Report Evaluating a Proposal for Conversion of the Salton Sea Ecosystem
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2016

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Monday, April 25, 2016, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing to revisit the progress the state has made in managing the Salton Sea, as outlined in its September 2015 report, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In that study, the Commission found the state had been mired in a seemingly endless study process that frequently was sidetracked by stakeholders unable to compromise or accept budgetary realities. As the Commission conducted its study process, however, the state began taking action on the Salton Sea. Notably, in May 2015, the administration convened a Salton Sea Task Force, which later released agency-specific action items on managing the Salton Sea. In September 2015, the Governor appointed an assistant secretary for Salton Sea policy within the Natural Resources Agency. Acknowledging the growing momentum, the Commission recommended the state look for ways to expedite projects, explore means to raise funds and begin planning the next phase of projects, and committed to following up on the state’s short- and medium-term plans in April 2016.

At the hearing, the Commission will first hear from the assistant secretary for Salton Sea Policy in the Natural Resources Agency; the general manager/executive director for the Salton Sea Authority; and the government affairs and communications officer for the Imperial Irrigation District on the state’s short- and medium-term plans for the Salton Sea, its planning process and the role of the local agencies. It then will hear from the air pollution control officer for the Imperial County Air Pollution ControlDistrict on his role in the planning process and the impact the short- and medium-term plans would have on air quality. Following them will be a senior research associate for the Pacific Institute, who will present the environmental community’s perspective on the state’s process and plans.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in Room 175 at 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website,www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, April 18, 2016.

Video