Key Trump administration officials have indicated strong support for finalizing a $1.3 billion loan, initially approved during the Biden administration, for a lithium production plant in Imperial County, California. EnergySource Minerals received this conditional loan on January 15 for its ATLiS project, which aims to extract lithium and other vital minerals from geothermal brine near the Salton Sea.
On February 28, Imperial County officials, including Supervisor Ryan Kelley, met with federal representatives in Washington, D.C., to discuss the project’s future. Despite recent federal spending freezes affecting green energy initiatives, these officials expressed optimism about the loan’s finalization, citing the administration’s interest in domestic mineral production.
The ‘Lithium Valley’ region, encompassing about 80 square miles, sits atop one of North America’s largest critical mineral reserves. Developing this area could significantly boost the local economy, creating construction and manufacturing jobs, and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign lithium sources.
Brian Mooney, the senior vice president of planning and design for RICK Engineering, commented saying, “This plan has something for all the interested parties, including … the state of California, which, of course, is interested in renewable energy, or the Trump administration, which you’re interested not just in energy, but you’re also interested in data centers, you’re interested in manufacturing and in bringing manufacturing the United States.”
While the administration has criticized certain green energy projects, it has also emphasized the importance of critical minerals for national security and technological advancement.
The potential development of Lithium Valley presents a rare opportunity to strengthen America’s energy independence while revitalizing a struggling region of California. If the Trump administration follows through on its support, Lithium Valley could serve as a model for responsible resource development that balances economic growth with national security.
