Unlocking Our Nation’s Clean Energy Future: Dr. Ruiz Spotlights Opportunities & Environmental Crisis at Salton Sea 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) put the spotlight on the Salton Sea during a Congressional hearing—highlighting the region’s clean energy potential and the need to address the local environmental and public health crisis. In the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on “American Energy Expansion,” Dr. Ruiz pointed to the massive lithium supply underneath the Salton Sea as an opportunity to increase the domestic supply chain for critical minerals that will power clean energy batteries like those that are used for electric vehicles (EV).  

“‘Lithium Valley’ – as we like to call it back home – is the key to unlock our clean energy future, cement the U. S.’s leadership, secure our energy independence, strengthen our battery supply chain, and protect our national security,” said Dr. Ruiz.  

Today’s hearing comes as negotiations continue around voluntary reductions in Colorado River water use. Dr. Ruiz has been outspoken about ensuring that any reductions in water use by California stakeholders come with federal funding to address the environmental crisis at the Salton Sea.  

“All of this is more important than ever to ensure that the benefit of this lithium goes back to the Salton Sea itself, which could become a worse environmental disaster with reduced waters flowing from the Colorado River,” Dr. Ruiz continued.  

Water reductions to the region could further exacerbate the bourgeoning environmental and public health crisis as agricultural runoff is a key source for the Salton Sea. However, federal legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which is now law, will help mitigate the current public health threat all while unlocking the clean energy potential for the Imperial Valley.  

The Inflation Reduction Act includes $4 billion for drought resiliency in the Western United States, investing $250 million in Salton Sea drought mitigation at Dr. Ruiz’s urging. Taken together with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $1.2 trillion investment in electric grid resiliency and EV infrastructure, the Inflation Reduction Act will strengthen the domestic supply chain for homegrown clean energy. 

Dr. Ruiz’s remarks from today's hearing can be downloaded here.  

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