Lithium Valley is on track to become one of the world's largest sources of lithium, an essential material for electric vehicle batteries, officials say, positioning California as the global hub for battery production as it looks to become a leader in clean energy.
Thus, the governor Gavin Newsom visited the Imperial Valley on Monday to see the progress being made in transforming the Salton Sea region into a global hub for battery production.
California's Imperial Valley contains some of the largest lithium deposits in the world, specifically underground near the Salton Sea, a region also known as Lithium Valley.
Experts believe Lithium Valley could provide enough lithium to meet all future U.S. demand and more than a third of global demand, powering the transition to zero-emission vehicles that the state has been focusing on.
During his visit, the Governor toured Controlled Thermal Resources in Imperial for a demonstration of safe lithium extraction and battery production. He also met with local elected officials, community groups and other stakeholders to discuss ways the state is prioritizing the needs of local Imperial Valley communities.
In the morning, Newsom visited a project being implemented as part of the Salton Sea Management Program aimed at improving wetland habitat, public health and environmental conditions in the area.
“We are building a hub for global innovation while ensuring this transformation benefits communities right here in Imperial Valley. California is on the cusp of becoming the world’s largest source of batteries, and it couldn’t come at a more crucial time in our efforts to move away from fossil fuels. The future happens here first, and Lithium Valley is accelerating the world’s clean energy future,” he said.
In her turn, Silvia Paz, president of the Lithium Valley Commission, highlighted that there is unlimited potential within the Salton Sea region, both in terms of its role as a leading source of battery components for the production of clean energy, as well as in the local benefits in terms of employment and development.
“Lithium Valley is poised to be a key player as California leads a global transformation toward greener technology,” he said.
In 2022, Newsom signed legislation allocating $5 million to Imperial County to support Lithium Valley and created the Lithium Extraction Tax Act, which ensures that Imperial Valley communities benefit from lithium extraction and are an important part of the growing industry.
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California submitted its findings and recommendations to the state Legislature last December, recommending expediting transmission planning, improving permitting, and securing funding for infrastructure investments and economic development incentives to support industry growth and job training.
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