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Assemblyman Manuel Perez is introducing the Save Our Sea Campaign to address problems at the Salton Sea.

Time is running out for the Salton Sea.
By 2017, a water transfer will divert water away from Imperial Valley to San Diego.
That will drastically reduce the water levels, creating miles of dusty lakebed.
"Inaction is not an option when it comes to the Salton Sea, and so we have launched a campaign known as the Save Our Sea Act," said Assemblyman Perez.
Assemblyman Manuel Perez's legislation would do three things.
--- Ensure the state's natural resources agency works with the Salton Sea Authority, which includes local governments, water agencies, and tribes
--- Address how to prepare for air pollution from a shrinking sea.
--- Look at the renewable energy potential around the Salton Sea
"I do see some momentum, and quite frankly the fact that once again the federal government got involved, the fact that Senator Boxer is involved and Congressman Raul Ruiz are involved, I think is very helpful," said Perez.
Last month, federal, state and local leaders met at the Salton Sea to discuss the problems.
"And I'm going to be with them in DC in about 27th I think of February, the same appeal, we need the state and federal government to join us at the table," said Supervisor John Benoit.
Supervisor Benoit serves on the Salton Sea Authority, and says funding needs to be addressed.
"They don't have the money to throw at it, federal or state, I believe the only answer is a local partnership with industry," said Benoit.
Both Benoit and Perez say a public private partnership is ideal to restore the Salton Sea.
"They'll have a profit, and at the same time, we'll create local jobs, there'll be profit there, and ultimately, we'll be able to protect the environment and the public health of our folks," said Perez.
Assemblyman Perez will hold a hearing in February about the Salton Sea at the Yacht Club in North Shore.