What’s at Stake?

We have a choice to make. Beneath the surface of the Salton Sea lies a vast reserve of lithium—enough to power nearly 375 million electric car batteries. Lithium, a critical component in smartphones, electric car batteries, medical devices, and gaming consoles, powers the modern world. But this presents our community with a critical choice: how will we handle this valuable resource?

Millions of dollars for the local economy and thousands of good-paying jobs could revitalize our Imperial Valley community if lithium is sustainably harvested. We are faced with two paths: will we allow large corporations to exploit our resources for their own gain, leaving behind environmental damage and limited benefits to our region? Or will we ensure that lithium extraction is responsible, offering both environmental and financial benefits to local residents?

Our community is already grappling with existing pollution and adverse health effects, including childhood asthma rates that are more than double those of other areas. If done irresponsibly, lithium extraction could exacerbate these problems. That's why Comité Civico del Valle (CCV) is fighting for local involvement in decision-making, ensuring that smaller, locally owned companies have the chance to participate in this emerging industry. More local control means more money in the local economy—funds that could help address current pollution issues around the Salton Sea and uplift the communities most affected.

At stake is not just a resource, but the future of the Imperial Valley. We have a choice to make—to ensure that lithium harvesting is done sustainably and equitably, benefiting those who live here, while protecting our environment for generations to come.