The Salton Sea, a lake nestled in southeastern California in the Colorado Desert region, is a testament to both human ingenuity and the unintended consequences of large-scale engineering projects. Originally a dry basin, the sea was accidentally created in 1905 when the Colorado River breached irrigation canals and flooded the area, filling the basin over the course of two years. Initially hailed as a potential resort destination, the Salton Sea experienced a brief period of popularity in the 1950s and 60s, attracting tourists and developers with its recreational opportunities and fertile agricultural land. However, by the 1970s, the sea began to suffer from increasing salinity, pollution, and agricultural runoff, leading to environmental degradation and declines in fish populations. Today, the Salton Sea is almost twice as salty as ocean water.

Now some believe that the Salton Sea could hold the key to the United States’ clean energy future with the growing confidence the land around the Salton Sea holds a vast supply of lithium. The rediscovery of lithium could change everything. Several companies have shown interest in extracting lithium from the brines of the Salton Sea, drawn by the region’s potential as a significant source of this critical mineral. A federal study of salt and lithium reserves published late last year reports that Salton Sea region has enough lithium to manufacture hundreds of millions of EV batteries.

The outcome of these endeavors remains uncertain, but the allure of tapping into the Salton Sea’s lithium resources persists, driven by the growing demand for lithium ion-batteries in industries such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. As efforts to harness this resource continue, careful consideration of environmental impacts and sustainable practices will be paramount to ensure the long-term health of the Salton Sea ecosystem.