Are the Rurals Paying the Price for Clean Energy in Vegas?

Last week, conservation groups filed a lawsuit to stop exploratory drilling for lithium in an area super close to Ash Meadows, a storied National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Vegas. This tiny gem of a desert oasis is home to the highest concentration of endemic species found anywhere in the U.S. But advocates for the mines say that not only is the operation safe, it’s a crucial step in our urgent national campaign to replace gas-guzzlers with lithium-battery-powered electric vehicles. U.S. demand for lithium is expected to grow tenfold by 2030.

Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Review-Journal environment reporter Colton Lochhead, whose recent feature story on Ash Meadows examines this growing tension between conservationists and clean energy advocates for lithium mining. Colton says that conservationists see Ash Meadows as a flashpoint in the struggle over lithium — because if we allow lithium mining here, then where won’t it be allowed? And in a city like Las Vegas, currently under an ozone warning thanks to car pollution, are we asking the rurals to pay the price for our clean energy needs?

Have you been to Ash Meadows? How do you feel about electric cars cleaning up our roads? Let us know what you think by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail or a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us on social media: We’re@CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.

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