A Turning Point for the Salton Sea
The Salton Sea, once a vibrant lake, has withered under neglect, its receding waters leaving dust that poisons the air for nearby communities. Yet now, a powerful change is underway. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has begun filling the East Pond Expansion, a key part of a massive restoration effort to revive lost habitats. This project reaches beyond saving wildlife. It delivers cleaner air and hope to the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, where people have endured the sea’s decline for far too long.
The stakes are high. The sea’s exposed lakebed fuels dust storms, driving respiratory illness rates in the Imperial Valley 50 percent above California’s average. The Species Conservation Habitat Project, now covering over 9,000 acres, tackles this crisis head-on by restoring wetlands to suppress dust and support birds along the Pacific Flyway. With 2,000 acres already operational, this effort proves that ambitious action can transform a region’s future.
What sets this project apart is its vision. Originally planned for 4,100 acres, it has grown dramatically, fueled by $245 million in federal funds secured through partnerships with the Biden administration. This expansion reflects a deep commitment to both ecosystems and human health. Why does this matter? Because it shows what’s possible when leaders prioritize the well-being of people and the planet over short-term gains.
This milestone arrives at a critical moment. Around the world, inland lakes are shrinking—Lake Chad has lost 90 percent of its area since the 1960s, and the Aral Sea is nearly gone. California’s response to the Salton Sea’s decline offers a model for confronting these global challenges, blending ecological restoration with community justice.
For the families living near the sea, the benefits are tangible. Cleaner air means fewer asthma attacks, fewer hospital stays, and a stronger quality of life. This project is a promise kept to communities that have been overlooked, a testament to what we can achieve when we act with purpose and resolve.
Health and Equity at the Core
The Salton Sea’s decline has hit hardest in the Imperial Valley, where low-income and Latino communities face relentless dust storms carrying toxic particles. These conditions drive up rates of asthma, heart disease, and adverse birth outcomes, exposing a stark environmental injustice. The restoration project directly confronts this by reducing dust and improving air quality, offering a lifeline to families burdened by pollution.
This effort aligns with a broader push for equity. Since the 1960s, the environmental justice movement has fought to protect marginalized communities from pollution’s disproportionate harms. Federal policies, like Executive Order 12898, have reinforced the need for clean air and water access. The Salton Sea project builds on this legacy, ensuring that restoration serves those who need it most.
Yet, some voices challenge this approach. Certain policymakers, as seen in proposals like Project 2025, advocate cutting federal environmental programs and prioritizing fossil fuel development. Such plans overlook the suffering of communities like those near the Salton Sea, betting on market-driven fixes that often fall short. How can we justify ignoring the health crises tied to environmental neglect when the evidence is so clear?
A Blueprint for Progress
California’s work at the Salton Sea draws on global lessons. From China’s Loess Plateau reforestation to the Elwha River’s dam removals, large-scale restoration succeeds through innovative funding and community involvement. The Salton Sea project, backed by bonds and federal support, navigates challenges like complex monitoring to deliver measurable results, with waterfowl already returning to restored ponds.
The project also weaves conservation with economic opportunity. By transforming the region into a hub for battery production, it supports California’s zero-emission vehicle goals while creating jobs. This fusion of green energy and habitat restoration mirrors global trends, where green bonds and carbon credits drive sustainable growth. It’s a clear win for both the environment and local economies.
This approach reflects decades of forward-thinking policy, from the Clean Water Act to the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy investments. In contrast, calls for deregulation threaten to unravel these gains, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to pollution. The Salton Sea project shows a better way, one that balances ecological health with human prosperity.
A Call to Keep Going
The journey at the Salton Sea is just beginning. Completing the full 9,000-acre project demands ongoing investment and collaboration. But the progress so far—2,000 acres restored, air quality improving, wildlife returning—offers a glimpse of what’s possible. This isn’t only about one lake; it’s about proving we can tackle environmental crises with courage and care.
For the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, the impact is immediate: healthier lungs, stronger communities, and a renewed sense of possibility. For the world, it’s a step toward preserving biodiversity and fighting climate change. We cannot let narrow priorities stall this momentum. California’s work at the Salton Sea is a beacon, showing how we can build a future where justice and nature thrive together.