The Salton Sea is the largest inland lake in southeastern California.  The transfer of Colorado River water from Imperial Valley to San Diego County will reduce the amount of agriculture runoff that currently flows into the Sea.  Primarily due to the change in water use, the Sea is beginning to dry up.  This has severely impaired air quality, wildlife habitat, and has increased the salinity of the remaining Sea, thereby killing off most aquatic life. 

California has an obligation to restore the Sea.  The restoration plan that has been recommended by the Resources Secretary is approximately $8.9 billion.  Despite this obligation, action has not been taken and the Sea and surrounding community is suffering.  The Salton Sea Specialty License Plate program will help infuse the Salton Sea Restoration Fund with vital resources to help address the restoration efforts.

The California Lake Tahoe license plate program has been one of the most successful since its inception in 1996.  Over 96% of the funds from purchase and renewal fees for Lake Tahoe License plates are used to build, maintain, and protect the trails, water quality, wildlife and forest health of the Lake Tahoe Basin.  Since the program started, the license plate fund has generated more than $12 million in revenue.  We believe that the Salton Sea and local residents will benefit from a similar model.

We need to look at every available option to generate funding for the Salton Sea Restoration.  AB 1096 is a step in that direction.  With the passage of this measure, we can infuse the Salton Sea with critical funding and help raise awareness for this effort.