NewsinewsourceAugust 12, 2026San Diego
Appeals court rules Imperial County unlawfully approved Hell’s Kitchen geothermal and lithium plant
An appeals court has ruled that Imperial County failed to follow proper procedures when it approved the Hell’s Kitchen geothermal and lithium project proposed by Controlled Thermal Resources. The county is currently reviewing its legal options following the court's decision.
Read the full story at inewsourceWhy It Matters
The ruling creates legal uncertainty for a major energy project intended to extract lithium and generate power in the Salton Sea region, potentially delaying construction and operations.
Key Facts
- An appeals court determined that Imperial County's approval of the Hell’s Kitchen project was unlawful.
- The Hell’s Kitchen project is a geothermal and lithium extraction facility.
- Imperial County is currently evaluating its next steps in response to the court ruling.
- The project is developed by Controlled Thermal Resources.
Who's Mentioned
organizationCalifornia Fourth Appellate District“The court that issued the ruling.”organizationControlled Thermal Resources“The company developing the Hell’s Kitchen project.”personJulia Kelety“Associate Justice who wrote the ruling.”organizationinewsource“The news outlet reporting the story.”organizationEarthworks“Environmental organization that brought the appeal.”otherHell’s Kitchen“The geothermal and lithium extraction project site.”personPhilip Salata“Reporter who wrote the article.”locationImperial County“The local government body that originally approved the project.”organizationComite Civico del Valle“Environmental organization that brought the appeal.”personJared Naimark“Western Mining Senior Manager at Earthworks.”