The Nevada lithium mine would give the U.S. a huge boost in capacity to produce batteries, so this is an example of a conflict between local species and global systems that is going to become much more common as we move to a zero carbon economy. The lithium mine is supposed to reclaim the land as they go, so hopefully they can establish new populations of the buckwheat before they take the source plants. The ESA Section 6 has a "Safe Harbor" provision that would allow such action.
David, that is a great point to make and a great conundrum to consider. As an anti-consumerist environmentalist, I first consider how necessary the lithium mine might be. Could we do without the mine by limiting car use, hybrid and electric cars included?
Most folks consider that stance impractical. So establishing the new populations may be a practical solution here.
Thanks for your comment and thanks for the contribution of your recent op-ed.
The Nevada lithium mine would give the U.S. a huge boost in capacity to produce batteries, so this is an example of a conflict between local species and global systems that is going to become much more common as we move to a zero carbon economy. The lithium mine is supposed to reclaim the land as they go, so hopefully they can establish new populations of the buckwheat before they take the source plants. The ESA Section 6 has a "Safe Harbor" provision that would allow such action.
David, that is a great point to make and a great conundrum to consider. As an anti-consumerist environmentalist, I first consider how necessary the lithium mine might be. Could we do without the mine by limiting car use, hybrid and electric cars included?
Most folks consider that stance impractical. So establishing the new populations may be a practical solution here.
Thanks for your comment and thanks for the contribution of your recent op-ed.