Big lithium plans for Imperial Valley, one of California’s poorest regions, raise a bigger question: Who should benefit?

September 26, 2024: theconversation.com:

Big lithium plans for Imperial Valley, one of California’s poorest regions, raise a bigger question: Who should benefit?

The discovery of vast lithium reserves in California’s Imperial Valley, now dubbed “Lithium Valley,” promises a potential economic revival for one of the state’s most distressed regions. With innovative extraction techniques using geothermal brines, this method offers a more environmentally friendly way to harvest lithium, a key component for electric vehicle batteries.

However, while the region welcomes the prospect of jobs and growth, concerns linger over environmental impacts, local community benefits, and a history of broken promises. As the “white gold rush” gains momentum, striking a balance between economic development and local equity is crucial.

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