Rep. Vargas Calls for Hearing on Salton Sea Crisis
Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2019) – Today, Rep. Vargas (CA-51) and Rep. Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources requesting a Congressional hearing on the federal government’s responsibility to manage and mitigate the declining water levels and dust exposure at the Salton Sea. The two members, whom represent the districts surrounding the Salton Sea, are committed to bringing additional federal resources to address the environmental and public health crises at the Salton Sea.
“This hearing is a critical step toward holding federal agencies accountable to address this severe public health and environmental crisis,” said Rep. Vargas. “I am committed to improving the Salton Sea and protecting the public from this environmental hazard.”
Since the last Salton Sea hearing conducted by the House Natural Resources Committee, the ecological and public health impacts caused by the shrinking Salton Sea have accelerated significantly. The Salton Sea is faced with eroding water quality and diminished water supply. This results in periodic fish and bird deaths and exposes lakebed sediments which release wind-blown contaminants that pose human health risks.
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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