Clean
Energy
The Imperial Valley is uniquely positioned to be a national leader in clean and renewable energy due to its abundant sunlight, geothermal activity, and rare mineral resources. Opportunities include large-scale solar farms, geothermal power plants, and emerging lithium extraction projects powered by renewable energy. These projects have the potential to create green jobs, stimulate local economic development, and contribute to California’s decarbonization goals by supplying clean electricity and critical minerals for electric vehicle batteries. The region also benefits from existing infrastructure for energy distribution and proximity to cross-border and statewide markets, further enhancing its potential as a clean energy hub.
However, the expansion of renewable energy in the Imperial Valley faces significant challenges. Large solar and geothermal projects can lead to land-use conflicts, threatening agricultural lands and fragile desert ecosystems. Water scarcity is a major concern, as some renewable energy operations—particularly geothermal and battery mineral extraction—require substantial water resources. Air quality and dust generation during construction and operations can affect the health of nearby communities, including vulnerable populations like farmworkers, seniors, and children.
Furthermore, ensuring equitable economic benefits for local residents remains a challenge, as much of the investment and profits may go to outside corporations. CCV works to balance rapid clean energy development with environmental protection, community health, in addition to economic and workforce development.
For questions or to learn more about CCV’s Clean Energy Initiative, please contact us at contact@ccvhealth.org .
Lithium Valley
Lithium Valley is CCV’s initiative focused on the development of lithium resources in the Salton Sea Geothermal Field, which California and Imperial County view as a strategic opportunity to support clean energy, electric vehicles, and domestic battery production. While the region’s geothermal resources offer a unique renewable advantage and the promise of high-paying green jobs, CCV advocates for strong health protections, environmental safeguards, and meaningful community participation to address risks to water, air quality, tribal cultural resources, and the Salton Sea ecosystem.
CCV’s work includes appealing the approval of the Hell’s Kitchen Lithium Project, engaging in the Lithium Valley Specific Plan to demand enforceable mitigation measures and community benefits, participating in policy and governance coalitions, and co-authoring research on environmental and public health risks.
All guided by the principle that lithium development must not repeat past extractive models that prioritize profit over community health, culture, and environmental justice.