California appeals court orders environmental review of Imperial County geothermal, lithium project

A California Courts of Appeals panel ordered further environmental review for a proposed geothermal plant and lithium mine in Imperial County after finding that the county failed to sufficiently address environmental concerns. The lawsuit was filed by Comité Civico del Valle, which argued that the county's approval process violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), particularly regarding water availability and consultation with Native American tribes.