Major lithium discovery in fracking wastewater leaves the left facing EV 'irony'

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy believes the lithium discovery in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale basin has the potential to change the U.S. energy game. He states that "if we can develop lithium, an essential component of EVs and batteries, as a byproduct of legacy oil and gas production, that is a win-win for America." Dunleavy emphasizes the need for more energy storage in the country and sees this discovery as an opportunity to reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals like lithium.

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, the GOP's 2022 gubernatorial nominee, sees a significant economic impact from the dual extraction of natural gas and lithium through fracking. He believes that this method of extraction could create jobs and support the green energy industry. In a statement, Mastriano said, "The great irony is the same climate extremists who oppose harvesting fossil fuels under all circumstances are dependent on lithium for solar panels and for the battery components they need for things like electric cars, which often are powered on electricity generated by natural gas." He also added that "Fracking may provide the cleanest, most environmentally friendly way to produce natural gas energy and harvest the domestic lithium we need for the green future endorsed by my colleagues on the extreme left." Mastriano sees this development as an opportunity for creating jobs, supporting the manufacturing sector, and reducing reliance on other countries for critical minerals.