IMPERIAL VALLEY – Governor Gavin Newsom today visited Imperial Valley to see the progress being made on transforming the Salton Sea region into a global hub for battery production, essential to the worldwide transition to zero-emission vehicles. California’s Imperial Valley contains some of the largest lithium deposits in the world, specifically underground near the Salton Sea – a region also known as Lithium Valley.

Experts believe Lithium Valley could provide enough lithium to meet all of America’s future demand and more than one-third of global demand – supercharging the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

During his visit, the Governor toured Controlled Thermal Resources in Imperial for a demonstration of safe lithium mining and battery production. He also met with local elected officials, community groups and other stakeholders to discuss ways the state is putting the needs of local Imperial Valley communities first as the region undergoes significant economic transformation. Earlier in the day, the Governor visited a project that is being implemented as part of the Salton Sea Management Program to enhance wetland habitat and improve public health and environmental conditions at the Salton Sea.

“We’re building a hub for global innovation while ensuring this transformation benefits communities right here in Imperial Valley. California is poised to become the world’s largest source of batteries, and it couldn’t come at a more crucial moment in our efforts to move away from fossil fuels. The future happens here first – and Lithium Valley is fast-tracking the world’s clean energy future,” said Governor Newsom.