The Biden administration has begun an expedited environmental review for the Rhyolite Ridge mine in Nevada, which would be the third lithium mine in the U.S. Environmentalists are concerned that the mine poses a threat to an endangered wildflower and violates the Endangered Species Act. The Bureau of Land Management released a draft environmental impact statement for the mine, which is a significant step in the review process, supporting the domestic development of critical minerals for clean energy. The administration is being accused of sacrificing wildlife protections in the name of slowing climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Conservation groups have vowed to challenge the mine’s approval, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for ignoring protections for native wildlife. The Center for Biological Diversity has been advocating for federal protection of the rare flower, Tiehm’s buckwheat, which is found near the California line. The plant’s habitat is threatened by the proposed mine, and efforts to reduce destruction of critical habitat are being met with skepticism by conservationists. The Biden administration’s focus on green energy is seen as potentially conflicting with wildlife preservation efforts.
Nevada currently hosts the only existing lithium mine in the country, with another mine under construction. The demand for lithium is projected to increase significantly by 2030, highlighting the importance of domestic production of critical minerals. Ioneer Ltd., the company planning to develop the Rhyolite Ridge mine, has made adjustments to their plans to minimize impact on the endangered plant. The company has invested in conservation efforts and committed to protecting the plant and its surrounding habitat.
The Fish and Wildlife Service listed Tiehm’s buckwheat as an endangered species in December 2022, citing mining as a major threat to its survival. The proposed mine would encroach on a significant portion of the plant’s habitat, sparking concerns from conservationists about the potential impacts on the rare wildflower. Internal documents obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity suggest that the government has rushed its review of the mine. The expedited schedule raises questions about the thoroughness of the environmental review process and the consideration of environmental impacts.
The draft environmental impact statement for the Rhyolite Ridge mine presents three options, including a “no-action alternative” that would prevent the mine from being built. The preferred option anticipates a plan from Ioneer that would reduce the direct destruction of the plant’s habitat, but conservationists argue that any destruction of critical habitat for a rare species is unacceptable. The Endangered Species Act mandates consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that projects do not harm threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat. Conservationists argue that the proposed protections fall short of what is necessary to safeguard the rare wildflower.
Despite efforts by Ioneer to balance mining operations with conservation, concerns remain about the potential impact of the Rhyolite Ridge mine on Tiehm’s buckwheat. The clash between the push for domestic critical mineral production for clean energy purposes and the protection of rare species highlights the challenges faced by the Biden administration in achieving its environmental and energy goals. The controversy surrounding the mine underscores the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection to ensure a sustainable future for both wildlife and clean energy initiatives.
