… [T]he Salton Sea also sits atop one of the world’s largest reserves of geothermal energy. The super-heated brine thousands of feet beneath the lakebed contains critical minerals such as battery-grade lithium, earning it the nickname “Lithium Valley.” Three major development projects to extract geothermal power and lithium in the area are currently moving from proposals to active construction, with full-scale production targeted in the coming years. A proposed permitting reform bill may soon fast track that development. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act aims to streamline both clean energy and fossil fuel projects by cutting red tape. … As votes to open the bill for debate echoed through the Senate chamber on Nov. 9, the policy deliberation over legal hurdles and permit timelines gave way to a much simpler reality back in California’s Imperial Valley. For those living around the drying Salton Sea, the potential passage of the Senate bill signals a fundamental shift in who bears the risk of America’s energy transition. 

Other Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act news:

• Nevada Current: Citing data center, tribal sovereignty fears, Nevadans push back against Trump-backed permit bill
• Native News Online: California tribal leaders oppose Senate bill they say threatens tribal sovereignty and sacred sites
• Native American Rights Fund: Blog: Urge Congress to halt BAAJA over threats to tribal sovereignty
• Waterkeeper: Blog: Organizations representing millions urge Congress to reject permitting bill