Lithium Valley: Calif. Legislature approves per-ton lithium taxes, hefty development funds
California legislators voted late Wednesday to impose flat taxes on lithium producers…. The fees were fiercely contested by two start-ups that lobbied for a sales tax approach, but supported by energy giant Berkshire Hathaway’s renewables arm. Officials noted the fees — along with $400 million in state funds that were authorized for infrastructure, planning and environmental reviews — could bring sorely needed improvements and steady revenues to the state’s impoverished, often overlooked southeastern corner. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office was closely involved in negotiations on the package, and he is expected to sign it into law.
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