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2. Water is a significant cleantech issue, especially in the western United States.
3. Efforts are being made to address water misallocation issues, with EVs playing a role in the restoration of California’s Salton Sea.
Water management is a significant issue in the cleantech industry, especially in the western United States where water resources are sometimes misallocated. There have been infrastructure projects to supply water to growing cities in arid regions, but these projects have resulted in environmental catastrophes due to incorrect assumptions. Efforts are now being made to address these issues, with electric vehicles playing a role in restoring California’s drying Salton Sea.
The Salton Sea has a long history of water fluctuations due to the Colorado River’s changing course. The sea dried up in the nineteenth century but was refilled accidentally by a water diversion canal. However, agricultural runoff led to the drying up of the sea, causing environmental and health problems in the region. Efforts are now being made to restore the sea, with the importance of economic incentives and environmental justice being emphasized.
The potential for lithium production from the Salton Sea could be a motivating factor in preventing further drying up of the sea. Recreation opportunities and public awareness are also key in ensuring the preservation of the sea. Overall, the restoration of the Salton Sea involves a multi-faceted approach that considers economic, environmental, and social factors to address the water management challenges in the region.