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-Editorial
Imperial County officials have formally requested legislative and executive support from state leaders to advance geothermal and lithium extraction projects that could transform the region’s economy and support California’s renewable energy goals.
In a letter addressed to Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Steve Padilla, and Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, county representatives outlined a series of proposed state actions to overcome development barriers and accelerate investment in what has become known as “Lithium Valley.” These proposals include regulatory relief, energy procurement reforms, and expanded local permitting authority.
The county has invested in several foundational initiatives, including the Lithium Valley Economic Investment Opportunity Plan, which provides a roadmap for attracting renewable energy investment. Officials say the plan supports California’s transition to electrified transportation, domestic energy independence, and a reliable supply chain for critical minerals.
To further streamline development, Imperial County is preparing a Specific Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (SP/PEIR) covering approximately 51,000 acres. The draft Specific Plan is currently open for public comment through May 5, while the environmental report is expected to be released this summer. These planning efforts aim to provide certainty for developers and help establish a vertically integrated renewable energy and manufacturing hub in the region.
Additionally, the county has completed an Infrastructure Assessment, adopted a Good Neighbor Community Benefit Agreement Program, and developed a Lithium Excise Tax Funding Plan to ensure that future revenues are reinvested into local communities.
Despite these efforts, Imperial County continues to face significant socioeconomic challenges. As of December 2024, the county’s unemployment rate stood at 17.8%, well above the statewide rate of 5.2% and the national rate of 4.1%. Poverty rates in the region remain persistently high, ranging between 17% and 21%, compared to the state average of 13% and the national average of 11%.
“Lithium Valley is not only a vision, it’s an opportunity to bring hope to a community,” county officials wrote. “It can be a shining example of how California’s renewable energy can uplift an entire region.”
To help realize the vision of Lithium Valley, Imperial County is seeking state support for several key measures: the exemption or reduction of Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) fees for geothermal energy generation, as proposed in Assembly Bill 1031 (Gonzalez); continued exemption of critical mineral extraction projects from DTSC fees; prioritization of state procurement of California-generated, renewable baseload energy—potentially supported by executive action or subsidies to offset the higher costs of geothermal power; and the expansion of local permitting authority to allow Imperial County to approve thermal powerplants generating up to 150 megawatts, as outlined in Assembly Bill 1016 (Gonzalez).
County leaders expressed appreciation for the state’s ongoing support, including investments in STEM education and local workforce development. They emphasized that more support is essential for Imperial County to play a leading role in achieving California’s clean energy targets while creating long-term economic benefits for one of the state’s most underserved regions.
The county expects working closely with lawmakers, the Newsom administration, and other stakeholders to bring these projects to fruition.