SCH Number 2023120104

Project Info

Title

Imperial County Lithium Valley Specific Plan

Description

On June 30, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 125 authorizing the state to assist in developing Imperial County’s lithium resource in an area that is a part of the Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area, known as Lithium Valley. SB 125 appropriated funding to develop a Lithium Valley Specific Plan (LVSP) and PEIR, and adopted a lithium excise tax to fund Salton Sea restoration efforts and to fund affected communities. The LVSP facilitates renewable energy development, lithium extraction, associated infrastructure, commercial, and related manufacturing industries, which provide quality local jobs, while minimizing adverse effects on the environment and public health. The LVSP would serve as the land use and zoning regulations on the southeastern side of the Salton Sea. The Project would change the permissible land uses, to include Green Industrial (e.g. geothermal energy, lithium/mineral extraction), Manufacturing (e.g. lithium batteries), Logistics, Renewables, Community Opportunity Areas, Solar, Playa Restoration, Floodplains, and Conservation, with an Agricultural Overlay. This Project would be a pivotal step for Imperial Valley towards a more sustainable and localized economy and support the nations’ ability to produce sustainable energy and technologies. The Project also includes amendments to the County General Plan and Zoning Ordinance /Map.

2 documents in project