California Air Resources Board

On September 12, 2024, a group of California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff, partner organizations, and Zero-emission Vehicle (ZEV) Equity Task Force members participated in the Imperial Valley Community Tour hosted by Comite Civico del Valle (CCV), visiting key locations in Calexico and Imperial. The tour provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the transportation challenges and environmental conditions faced by these communities and to foster informed, community-driven policy discussions.

Tour Purpose

The primary objective of this tour was to offer participants a direct understanding of the barriers to transportation and essential services in Imperial Valley's priority communities. By engaging with local leaders, CARB staff gained valuable insights to help inform the development of policies that respond to the specific needs of these communities.

The tour also aimed to build relationships across divisions within CARB and with external partners. This in-person engagement is critical to ensuring policy decisions, including those related to the annual funding plan, are rooted in the lived experiences of the communities most affected.

Tour Highlights

CCV Charging Stations

As part of the Imperial Valley community tour, we made a stop at the CCV charging stations located at Calexico City Hall. This stop offered an in-depth look at their Lithium Valley 40 EV Charger Equity Initiative, which aims to provide much-needed infrastructure to underserved communities in the region. This stop provided a real-time example of how community-driven initiatives like the CCV charging stations are addressing the infrastructure gaps that have long hindered EV access in underserved areas. It also showcased the importance of local solutions and local technical expertise in maintaining these critical assets.

Groundbreaking Ceremony: EV Charging Hub at Calexico Crossings

The first stop was the groundbreaking ceremony for GC Green’s EV Charging Hub in Calexico, a strategic border town with high traffic volumes. This charging hub will be a key infrastructure addition supporting zero-emission vehicles and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long border wait times. It will feature four 180KW DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) and four Level 2 EV Chargers.  The facility is scheduled to be up and running by late November 2024. Future plans include the addition of a 400KW DCFC for Medium and Heavy-Duty vehicles.

For those of you planning to be in the area for longer, we have developed this "Self-Guided Tour: From the North Shore of the Salton Sea to Brawley" that you can use as you drive to Brawley.  This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, rather it is intended to give you a flavor of some of the environmental issues in the area if you’re driving from Ontario to Brawley.

Calexico Border and Idling Vehicles

Participants were briefed on the significant environmental impact caused by vehicles idling at the Calexico border, where cars may idle for up to three hours during peak times. This not only exacerbates local air pollution but also creates additional health risks for residents living near the border.

Future Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC)

We visited the site of the future Calexico ITC, which will serve as a transportation hub providing essential services such as public buses, farm labor transport, taxis, and long-distance transit options. The ITC will be critical in improving mobility for non-drivers and reducing transportation barriers for the local workforce.

Calexico High School ZEV Program

One of the most impactful stops was at Calexico High School, where participants learned about the school’s hands-on ZEV program. Students are gaining practical experience with electric vehicle technology, including the recent conversion of a VW Bug to electric power. This initiative is preparing the next generation for careers in the clean transportation industry.

Imperial Valley College: Lithium Industry Workforce Training

The tour concluded at Imperial Valley College, where staff were introduced to the Lithium Industry Workforce Training Program. This initiative prepares students for careers in lithium extraction, a critical industry for the production of batteries used in zero-emission vehicles. The program is also exploring partnerships with local high schools to expand access to vocational training.

Key Insights and Challenges

Through the tour, several key insights emerged:

• Transportation Barriers: Many residents in Imperial Valley face significant challenges due to limited access to transportation. Public transit is scarce, with some areas relying on infrequent bus services.
• Food Deserts and Swamps: Despite its agricultural abundance, much of Imperial Valley experiences limited access to healthy, affordable food. The region is classified as both a food desert and a food swamp, where unhealthy food options are more readily available than nutritious alternatives.
• Environmental Health Concerns: The region also faces severe environmental challenges, including high levels of air pollution due to border traffic and the deteriorating Salton Sea. Combined with extreme heat, these factors contribute to public health risks for residents, particularly those without access to reliable transportation.

Lessons Learned

• Successes: The tour was well-coordinated, with smooth transitions between stops and effective communication among participants. Opportunities for networking and cross-division collaboration were abundant, with one notable outcome being the potential for Calexico High School students to utilize local charging infrastructure in their ZEV program.
• Areas for Improvement: While the tour allowed for important insights, more time could be dedicated to engaging with community members and allowing for questions from participants. Future tours may benefit from a more flexible schedule to encourage deeper interaction.
• Next Steps: CARB plans to organize future tours in collaboration with community partners. These tours will build on the insights gained from the Imperial Valley tour and continue to deepen CARB’s understanding of the challenges faced by California’s most vulnerable communities.

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