Federal judge halts Arizona lithium drilling amid tribal concerns

A federal judge temporarily stopped exploratory lithium drilling in Arizona after the Hualapai Tribe argued it would harm sacred lands.

Scott Sonner reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

The Hualapai Tribe and environmental groups sued to stop drilling near sacred springs in northwestern Arizona.
The tribe argues the Bureau of Land Management's approval violated laws protecting historic and cultural sites.
A hearing on a longer-term injunction is scheduled for September 17 in Phoenix.

Key quote:

“Like other tribal nations who for centuries have stewarded the lands across this country, the Hualapai people are under siege by mining interests trying to make a buck off destroying their cultural heritage.”

— Laura Berglan, Earthjustice lawyer

Why this matters:

The case highlights the conflict between green energy initiatives and the preservation of Indigenous cultural sites, raising questions about the balance between environmental progress and respecting sacred lands.

apnews.com

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