Poseidon, which has been working on the project for 22 years, now needs a permit from the state Coastal Commission before it can negotiate a final contract with the Orange County Water District to buy the water.

And, in the wake of the regional board’s decision, there’s likely an additional obstacle, as opponents of the project said they plan to appeal.

Proponents view desalted ocean water as insurance against worsening droughts brought on by climate change and the possibility that Orange County might get less imported water from northern California and the Colorado River.

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