When lithium mining starts at Salton Sea, who benefits, who’s at risk?

CalMatters

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Critics of a proposed lithium mine near the Salton Sea entered round two of their fight to force stricter environmental review of the project .

It’s the latest stage in a legal impasse over the massive lithium project. Environmental groups are trying to make sure nearby residents get the benefits of lithium production, while guarding against harmful impacts. The company says critics are using court challenges to stall an important energy project.

The nonprofits Comite Civico del Valle and Earthworks filed arguments with the Fourth District Court of Appeal last week, asking the court to reconsider a claim they filed in 2024, which a superior court judge dismissed earlier this year.