Salton Sea Lithium Buildout

California's Salton Sea region is emerging as a focal point for geothermal-brine lithium extraction, with Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Occidental reporting technical milestones that move the field closer to commercial viability.

The topic is shaped by the promise of domestic battery materials and cleaner extraction methods, but also by persistent uncertainty over scale-up, cost, water use, and local impacts. Community advocates and local officials continue to push for enforceable benefits, stronger review, and safeguards as the region is marketed as "Lithium Valley."