Lithium extraction project in Utah raises environmental and water use concerns

The project, utilizing Colorado River water, faces scrutiny from residents and environmentalists amid the West's ongoing drought.

An Australian company plans to extract lithium from the Colorado River's water in Utah, sparking concerns over water usage and environmental impact.
The extraction process, which is new to the U.S., aims to produce lithium for electric vehicle batteries but has raised questions about its water intensity.
Residents of Green River, Utah, and environmentalists express worries about the project's proximity to the town and its potential effects on the drought-stricken river.
The U.S. Interior Department and the Bureau of Land Management have voiced concerns over the project's groundwater withdrawals and their impact on the Colorado River.
Despite the environmental concerns, the project is part of a global effort to increase lithium production for renewable energy sources.