Last month, the Biden administration's Department of Energy announced that it would provide a loan of $1.36 billion to support the growth of the domestic lithium industry. But President Trump’s push to freeze federal funds could threaten that.

On Midday Edition Monday, we break down the possible impact of the federal spending freeze and recent developments in Lithium Valley.

Plus, a leading environmental advocate in the Imperial Valley talks about the continued fight to ensure local communities benefit from this potentially booming industry.

Guests:

• Philip Salata, environment and energy investigative reporter, inewsource
• Luis Olmedo, executive director, Comite Civico del Valle