RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications.
Sites Reservoir project finally gets green light, construction expected to begin in 2024 – Capital Public Radio
About 80 miles north of Sacramento, the planned Sites Reservoir, approved under Governor Newsom's streamlined plan, aims to address dry-year water scarcity. Unlike traditional dams, it's an off-river storage basin, drawing water from the Sacramento River during high flow and saving it for dry periods. Projected to start construction in 2024, completing by 2030, it could store substantial water during wet years, benefitting diverse regions. Despite environmental concerns and debates, proponents emphasize its role in managing water resources, especially during periods of scarcity.
California hospital closes, leaving rural areas without care – The Washington Post
Madera County, California faces a healthcare crisis with the closure of Madera Community Hospital, leaving expectant mothers a 40-minute drive to the nearest alternative. The shutdown highlights disparities in government insurance reimbursements for rural hospitals, exacerbating financial fragility. Amidst the pandemic's aftermath, 1 in 5 California hospitals, particularly in rural areas, are at risk of closure. Lawmakers seek solutions, proposing initiatives like the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act. Efforts to reopen Madera Community involve a $50 million state loan and potential operation by Adventist Health. The situation underscores the broader challenge of sustaining rural healthcare in California.
The Salton Sea has even more lithium than previously thought – Los Angeles Times
A new federal analysis led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggests that California's Salton Sea may contain 18 million metric tons of lithium, making it a valuable resource for electric vehicle batteries and home energy storage. The estimate, higher than past guesses, positions the Salton Sea as an environmentally friendly source of lithium compared to other extraction sites, facing less opposition from conservation activists. Several companies are racing to tap into this resource, with the potential to contribute significantly to clean energy efforts and climate goals. However, challenges such as the corrosive nature of the underground brine and the need for additional geothermal energy still exist. The estimate is considered a best-case scenario, and further research is underway to understand the resource's sustainability.