A new lawsuit has been filed against an Australian company looking to extract lithium from brine beneath the surface around the Salton Sea. The lawsuit is aimed at blocking the extraction until more research can be conducted on the environmental impact of the project.
The environmental review approved by the county for the Hell’s Kitchen Lithium and Power project, being built by Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR), has come under scrutiny. The lawsuit alleges that the review does not accurately account for the water usage of the project, which far exceeds the allotted amount for industrial use. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the project’s waste management and potential impact on tribal cultural resources.
The coalition behind the lawsuit includes Comite Civico del Valle and Earthworks, who have been advocating for community and environmental protections. Despite efforts to engage with CTR on mitigation measures, the company has not been responsive, leading to the legal challenge.
Local leaders have championed lithium projects in the Imperial Valley, touting them as a means to transform the region into a national green energy hub. However, community advocates are stressing the importance of balancing economic development with environmental and public health concerns.
While California has identified lithium extraction as crucial for its climate plan, the lawsuit highlights the growing tensions between the need for economic growth and the importance of sustainable practices. The outcome of the legal challenge could have significant implications for the future of lithium production in the region.
