Current:Home > StocksTribes object. But a federal ruling approves construction of the largest lithium mine -BeyondProfit Compass
Tribes object. But a federal ruling approves construction of the largest lithium mine
View
Date:2025-04-11 22:27:44
In a blow to tribes, a U.S. appeals court has denied a last ditch legal effort to block construction of what's expected to be the largest lithium mine in North America on federal land in Nevada.
In a decision Monday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the U.S. government did not violate federal environmental laws when it approved Lithium Nevada's Thacker Pass mine in the waning days of the Trump administration.
Lithium is a key component of electric vehicle batteries, and despite pressure from west coast Paiute tribes and environmentalists, the Biden administration did not reverse the decision and had continued to advocate for the mine, which would be located on remote federal land near the Nevada-Oregon border.
"We have always been confident that the permitting process for Thacker Pass was conducted thoroughly and appropriately," says Jonathan Evans, CEO of Lithium Americas in a statement provided to NPR. "Construction activities continue at the project as we look forward to playing an important role in strengthening America's domestic battery supply chains."
Tribes and environmental advocates tried for two years to block construction of the mine
Several area tribes and environmental groups have tried to block or delay the Thacker Pass mine for more than two years. Among their arguments was that federal land managers fast tracked it without proper consultation with Indian Country.
"They rushed this project through during COVID and essentially selected three tribes to talk to instead of the long list of tribes that they had talked to in the past," Rick Eichstaedt, an attorney for the Burns Paiute Tribe, said in an interview late last month.
The land is considered sacred to some Native people as it's believed to be the site of at least two ancient massacres. Tribal elders still go there to conduct ceremonies and gather traditional plants.
But in their ruling, the Ninth Circuit judges responded that only after the mine was approved by federal land managers did it become known that some tribes consider the land sacred.
Full construction of the mine is expected to begin in earnest this summer.
veryGood! (96)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- 'Yellowstone' premiere: Record ratings, Rip's ride and Billy Klapper's tribute
- Democrat George Whitesides wins election to US House, beating incumbent Mike Garcia
- 13 escaped monkeys still on the loose in South Carolina after 30 were recaptured
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Can I take on 2 separate jobs in the same company? Ask HR
- My Chemical Romance returns with ‘The Black Parade’ tour
- TikToker Campbell “Pookie” Puckett Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Jett Puckett
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Ben Foster Files for Divorce From Laura Prepon After 6 Years of Marriage
Ranking
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Spirit Airlines cancels release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
- How to Build Your Target Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Budget-Friendly Must-Haves for Effortless Style
- Angels sign Travis d'Arnaud: Former All-Star catcher gets multiyear contract in LA
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- November 2024 full moon this week is a super moon and the beaver moon
- Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
- Will the NBA Cup become a treasured tradition? League hopes so, but it’s too soon to tell
Recommendation
From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
What are the best financial advising companies? Help USA TODAY rank the top U.S. firms
Republican Vos reelected as Wisconsin Assembly speaker despite losing seats, fights with Trump
Jennifer Garner Details Navigating Grief 7 Months After Death of Her Dad William Garner
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
The Daily Money: Mattel's 'Wicked' mistake
NFL MVP rankings: Does Steelers QB Russell Wilson deserve any consideration?
Cameron Brink set to make Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut