Imperial County lithium initiatives face legal and legislative developments

Imperial County is facing simultaneous legislative progress and legal setbacks regarding its lithium development initiatives. The County Board of Supervisors approved the LiNC Program 3 in a 3-2 vote, a measure designed to provide tax incentives and workforce development to prepare local residents for jobs within the emerging lithium supply chain.

However, the California Fourth Appellate District ruled that the county unlawfully approved Controlled Thermal Resources’ Hell’s Kitchen project. The court found that the environmental impact report failed to provide sufficient evidence that the company had secured water for its 50-year lifespan, nor did it adequately address how water use would affect air quality near the Salton Sea or account for potential future water reductions from the Colorado River. While the ruling dismissed claims regarding inadequate tribal consultations, the county stated it is evaluating the decision with legal counsel.