Dustin Mulvaney: Sunlight and Salvation at the Salton Sea: Environmental Justice and Hydrosocial Dynamics of Solar Energy Transitions in Imperial County, California (October 17, 2024)

Dustin Mulvaney, Professor of Environmental Studies, San Jose State University

Imperial Valley is a leading case to explore several themes critical to just energy transitions research with lithium rich geothermal brines, extensive flat agricultural fields with abundant desert sunshine, and access to transmission lines. Despite being the poorest county in California and one of the smallest, Imperial already provides 15% of the state’s solar electricity; and the region as a whole represents on the order of 25% of the state’s electric power capacity. 

This talk will bring to light frictions over solar energy development that have emerged over the history of solar power development in the southern Salton Sea region.  Mulvaney will describe the history of solar development in the county and contextualize the broader political economy and energy development patterns in the region and how they are connected to region and global energy markets. He will also discuss environmental justice issues facing rural communities across and within the region, including disputes over Colorado River water, tribal sovereignty and cultural resources, and questions about how new enterprises can finance wildlife and ecological restoration of the degraded Salton Sea.