At the core of America’s strength lies our ability to shape our destiny. From the food we grow to the energy that powers our homes, vehicles, and defense systems, independence has always been the foundation of our national security. As the United States moves to reshore manufacturing, protect American jobs, and unleash homegrown energy, there’s one resource we can no longer afford to overlook: lithium.

Here in Nevada, we’re sitting on one of the most exciting opportunities in the country to meet that need, the Thacker Pass project in Humboldt County, home to the world’s largest known measured lithium resource and reserve.

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American lithium isn’t just about mining a mineral; it’s about powering the future. It’s about building a full domestic supply chain, bringing high-quality manufacturing jobs to rural communities, and ensuring that the technologies of tomorrow are built with American resources, by American workers. And that all starts right here in Nevada.

We know lithium is vital for electric vehicles, but its value goes far beyond the car industry. Lithium powers the batteries that store clean energy, fuels the devices that keep our economy connected, and supports our national defense, playing a crucial role in everything from drone systems to missile technology. Without lithium, there would be no modern economy, no resilient power grid, and no edge in defense.

Yet today, the United States remains dangerously dependent on foreign countries, some of them adversaries, for this critical mineral. Less than 1% of global lithium comes from American sources. That’s not just an economic concern. It’s a serious threat to our national security.

China knows how valuable lithium is. That’s why they’ve worked aggressively to dominate the global supply chain, from mining to refining to battery production. They don’t want American lithium projects to succeed. But here in Nevada, we’re proving them wrong.

With one of the most promising lithium resources in North America, the Thacker Pass project in Nevada represents the single most significant opportunity to build a secure, reliable North American lithium supply chain. The region’s natural resources, skilled workforce, and strong business climate make it the perfect launchpad for this critical industry.

With the support of American investors and the U.S. Department of Energy, Lithium Americas is helping us seize this moment. Their investment in the Thacker Pass project is more than just economic development; it’s a national security asset. Once Phase 1 of the project is completed in 2027, it will be capable of producing 40,000 metric tons of battery-quality lithium carbonate annually. By tapping into Nevada’s vast resources, we can reduce our reliance on China, strengthen our supply chains, and ensure that American-made energy stays in American hands.

President Donald Trump’s America First agenda rightly recognizes that a strong and secure America starts with American jobs, American minerals, and American energy. 

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The road to American energy independence runs through the heart of the Silver State, and thanks to innovators like Lithium Americas, we’re ready to lead the charge.

This is only the beginning of America’s domestic lithium production. Thacker Pass is not just a project but a proof of concept. It demonstrates that the United States can responsibly develop its own resources, create high-quality jobs, and build the foundation of a secure domestic supply chain. Lithium Americas serves as a pilot for what is possible, setting the stage for future projects that will keep America competitive, independent, and strong. We owe it to ourselves and the next generation to see this project through to completion.

Joe Lombardo is the governor of Nevada.

Mark Amodei represents Nevada’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.