Agency unanimously rejects California desalination project

A California coastal panel on Thursday rejected a long-standing proposal to build a $1.4 billion seawater desalination plant to turn Pacific Ocean water into drinking water as the state grapples with persistent drought that is expected to worsen in coming years with climate change.

Huntington Beach desalination plant hearing

The California Coastal Commission is expected to vote Thursday on the $1.4 billion Poseidon Water desalination plant, which would turn seawater into drinking water off the shore of Orange County.