Citing California’s worsening drought conditions, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday urged the California Coastal Commission to give final approval in two weeks for construction of a new $1.4 billion desalination plant on the state’s coastline.
Newsom said a no vote by the full commission to kill the project would be “a big mistake, a big setback.” “It’s disappointing that the governor doesn’t seem to be interested in the scale and nuance that’s needed to understand the impacts of this plant,” said Mandy Sackett, California policy coordinator of the Surfrider Foundation. “It would be a step backwards in terms of solving our state’s water needs.”
It would draw in up to 106 million gallons per day of seawater to produce up to 50 million gallons a day of potable water — enough for 400,000 people — for purchase by local water districts. Poseidon’s desalination plant in Carlsbad, the largest in North America, produces roughly the same amount of water, providing about 10% of San Diego’s annual water supply.
Newsom said Thursday he believes the environmental concerns can be addressed by requiring the company to make various offsets including restoring wetlands and other efforts, and perhaps by having those rules toughened. Asked if he has personally spoken with commissioners since the staff report came out recommending the project be denied, Newsom said he had not. He noted that he has supported the project publicly for nine years. Other supporters include Sen. Dianne Feinstein, former Gov. Jerry Brown and Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize.
desalination cawater
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: dcexaminer - 🏆 6. / 94 Read more »
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »
Source: SFGate - 🏆 534. / 51 Read more »
Source: cleantechnica - 🏆 565. / 51 Read more »
Source: NBCDFW - 🏆 288. / 63 Read more »
Source: CalMatters - 🏆 261. / 63 Read more »