CA SB51

Establishes the Salton Sea Restoration Council as a state agency within the Natural Resources Agency to oversee restoration of the Salton Sea ecosystem.

Requires the council to evaluate Salton Sea restoration plans and submit a recommended restoration plan to the Governor and Legislature by June 30, 2013, considering impacts on air quality, fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, and feasibility.

Creates council structure with an executive committee (16 voting members including state agency directors and local/tribal representatives), a science committee of experts, a local government forum, and a stakeholder forum.

Assigns the Department of Fish and Game responsibility for implementing habitat demonstration projects and biological investigations, and the Department of Water Resources responsibility for water quality, air quality, and geotechnical investigations.

Limits council jurisdiction to the Salton Sea watershed within California and explicitly denies the council regulatory authority over land use, water rights, or air quality.