Despite its potential to become a key U.S. lithium supplier, Lithium Valley in California has been rejected once more for federal funding.
California’s Lithium Valley, located near the Salton Sea, was denied federal funding again in October 2024, further delaying its potential as a major lithium producer. The region holds vast lithium reserves that could significantly boost the U.S.’s electric vehicle battery production. Despite the promise of pollution-free lithium extraction using geothermal technology, the lack of federal support complicates the development of essential infrastructure, including job training and industrial facilities. As the competition for global lithium resources intensifies, this setback raises concerns about the future pace of the project.