In an op-ed, James J.A. Blair, associate professor of geography and anthropology, argues that Imperial County’s Draft Lithium Valley Specific Plan needs stronger safeguards. Blair, whose research focuses on energy, water and climate justice in extractive industries such as lithium mining, writes that while the region could anchor California’s clean energy transition, the current plan does not adequately address public health, water sustainability or cumulative environmental impacts. He calls for revisions to ensure economic development does not come at the expense of community well-being.

This article was originally published by Imperial Valley Weekly on March 2, 2026.