Geothermal Energy Projects In Imperial County - Who Keeps Track? (The Desert Report)
By Alexander Schriener, Jr.
The Salton Sea geothermal projects in Imperial County have numerous levels of permitting, regulation, and oversight by many agencies. This oversight allows for the safe operation of an important source of this reliable renewable “green” energy for the citizens of California and environmental protection of the adjacent farmland, surface water delivery systems, and the Salton Sea lake.
In 1977, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors adopted the Geothermal Element of the Imperial County General Plan. The Element was the first of its kind in the United States, and spelled out policies to enable rapid development of geothermal energy production, while preserving agriculture, health and safety, and other concerns. The Element has been used as a template to manage geothermal development by many counties across California, in other States, and in other countries.