Exclusive: Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Saved From Lithium Mineral Mining
- Abigail Balkus - MSc. in Health and Social Psychology
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 2
The National Wildlife Rescue located in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, which was threatened to be damaged by lithium-extraction projects, has now been withdrawn from these plans.
With a successful win for the environment before the new presidency: on January 14th, 2025 - President Biden and VP Kamala Harris withdrew Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge from proposed lithium-exploration projects.
This lithium-extraction plan was going to be under the company 'The Angel Island Mine', "a large-scale Nevada-based Lithium project... for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market"1.
Although the project may, at first glance, seem like a positive movement towards utilization of electric over gas vehicles, in the end this lithium mining destroys environmental, bright green, animal-thriving havens.
Tip: Any project with the word "Mine" in it is damaging to the environment.
The Sierra Club, who initially press-released this stand by Biden2, describes the beauty and irreplaceable environment of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a park utilized by local tribes and communities, heavily supporting the area's groundwater basin, the Amargosa Basin3.
"One of the most unique and biodiverse wetlands in the world, Ash Meadows has the highest concentration of endemic species – those found in only one location – anywhere in the United States, with some species dating back to the Pleistocene Era."
It is up to you to decide your own positions on these big issues, I only provide the facts.
(although everything we read/watch carries some level of unconscious bias from the creator)
For now, let's celebrate this win, and even the littlest wins in your life, like getting up this morning, and taking energy to read (as
you
read
these
words....)
Winning Wednesday!!
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