CAMERON LEE

Geothermal energy is a great way to maintain environmental efficiency while harvesting energy, but the recent discovery of lithium in geothermal brine complicates its environmental benefits. In the Imperial Valley, many geothermal power plants are already in operation, and they generate over 2,950 MW of electricity by extracting hot, high-pressure brine from underneath the ground. This brine contains 3,400 kilotons of lithium, enough to produce over 375 million electric vehicle batteries. The recent discovery of lithium in this region has prompted several energy companies to begin capitalizing on the potential of lithium mining. Geothermal energy production itself is environmentally efficient, but the lithium mining of geothermal brine introduces serious environmental and public health risks. Mining lithium in this desert region can worsen desertification, increase toxic dust levels, and worsen both air quality and drought conditions. With that, one way I can invest in geothermal energy is through advocacy. Advocating for the increase in geothermal power plants in the region can help promote cleaner energy alternatives while minimizing the need for more destructive forms of energy production. Advocacy with this issue can also reveal the serious effects that lithium mining can bring to this region. To achieve this, I have taken action and began to learn more about geothermal energy. After spending some time learning, I still have further questions about this topic, particularly regarding environmental policy and public health. As quoted by the Wall Street Journal, “Lithium extraction could worsen the region’s environmental issues.” Are there any existing environmental policies in place to prevent desertification in this region? Additionally, is there a public health plan in place should lithium mining operations begin?