Biden administration approves lithium mine despite environmental risks

The Biden administration has approved a large lithium-boron mine in Nevada, dismissing concerns from environmentalists who fear it could threaten a rare wildflower species.

Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

• The Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project, approved by the Bureau of Land Management, will supply lithium for EV batteries while protecting critical wildflower habitat.
• Environmental groups plan to challenge the permit, citing threats to Tiehm’s buckwheat, an endangered wildflower found only in Nevada.
• The mine is expected to create hundreds of jobs and help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign lithium, supporting the clean energy transition.

Key quote:

“The Endangered Species Act does not have carve-outs if we really, really want the minerals that are going to drive a species extinct.”

— Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity

Why this matters:

Balancing renewable energy needs with biodiversity protection raises critical questions about environmental laws and their resilience amid the shift to cleaner technologies. As the U.S. ramps up lithium production, managing resources sustainably will be key to avoiding irreversible ecological impacts.