Lake Tahoe basin needs more environmental protection, officials say

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Political and community leaders call for laws to protect Lake Tahoe at the Tahoe Summit

State and Federal leaders gathered at the 25th Annual Tahoe Summit to discuss environmental problems facing the Lake Tahoe Basin.

State and federal leaders called for new laws to protect Lake Tahoe at the 25th Annual Tahoe Summit Thursday. 

The virtual summit brought together policy-makers, private sector and community leaders to discuss the environmental problems facing the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who hosted the summit, praised the work that has been done to preserve the lake and its surroundings but said much more needs to be done. 

SEE ALSO: Environmentalists seek moratorium on new cellphone towers in Lake Tahoe region

"The threats to Tahoe remain severe. We need continued coordinated efforts to address the challenges of invasive species forest die off and worsening water clarity," said Padilla. "We need to prepare for intensifying year around threat of climate change, not just in the heat of the summer but all year around."

Governor Newsom talked about the importance of science-driven policies, and the role that thoughtfully crafted legislation plays in protecting the Lake Tahoe Basin.