Gavin Newsom Tours Imperial County’s Lithium Valley

Gov. Gavin Newsom was in Imperial County this week to tour “Lithium Valley,”  home to one of the largest lithium deposits in the world. Imperial was the last stop on the governor’s five-day state tour, which is replacing the State of the State address this year. 

“Lithium Valley is on track to become one of the world’s largest sources of lithium, the essential material for EV batteries – positioning California to be the global hub for battery production and a leader in securing a clean energy future,” according to a news release from Newsom’s office.  

The California Energy Commission has said the Imperial Valley contains enough lithium to meet all projected U.S. demand and about 40% of global demand.

“We’re building a hub for global innovation while ensuring this transformation benefits communities right here in Imperial Valley,” said Newsom, who toured Controlled Thermal Resources to watch lithium mining and battery production during his visit. “California is poised to become the world’s largest source of batteries, and it couldn’t come at a more crucial moment in our efforts to move away from fossil fuels. The future happens here first – and Lithium Valley is fast-tracking the world’s clean energy future.”

Last year, Newsom signed legislation that allocates $5 million to Imperial County to support Lithium Valley.

“Imperial County supports the Governor’s vision of securing a domestic supply of critical materials and Lithium Valley can produce these valuable resources in an environmentally conscious way,” Imperial County Supervisor Ryan E. Kelley said in a statement. “Each proposed lithium extraction plant would be a closed loop system, without the creation of open pits or solar evaporation ponds. We are protecting our future by developing a strategic mineral resource and promoting an environmentally friendly business practice.”