Ruiz Puts “Lithium Valley” in the National Spotlight 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) put the national spotlight on the lithium development at the Salton Sea and its potential to create good-paying, clean energy local jobs in the Inland Empire. In a hearing with the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, Ruiz advocated for a path forward to develop the lithium deposits underneath the Salton Sea to make the region a global leader in clean-energy battery technology.

"Right under our noses, there is a potentially massive supply of lithium right here in the United States—and that's underneath the Salton Sea," Ruiz said in the hearing. "This lithium deposit presents an incredible opportunity to transform the region – and the United States – into a global leader in our clean energy production. With the lithium underneath the Salton Sea, we can help end our nation's dependence on foreign oil with clean energy technology…. I am dedicated to ensuring that the benefit of this lithium extraction goes back to the communities and working families where it is needed and, frankly, where it belongs."

In today's hearing entitled, "Charging Forward: Securing American Manufacturing and Our EV Future," Ruiz was joined by policymakers and top companies who are leading efforts to expand electric vehicles that reduce dependence on foreign oil and associated price spikes. You can watch his full remarks here.