Pursuing decarbonization along with national security: Assessing public support for the Thacker Pass lithium mine

Area of Science:

• Environmental Policy
• Social Science Research
• Resource Management

Background:

• Decarbonization efforts face local opposition to necessary infrastructure like mines.
• Electric vehicles require lithium batteries, increasing demand for domestic lithium sources.
• The proposed Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada faces significant local and environmental opposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how proximity to mining operations influences public support for the Thacker Pass lithium mine.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different communication frames (climate policy, national security, local economic development) on public support.
• To inform strategies for mitigating local opposition to critical decarbonization projects.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 1,368 Nevada residents.
• Analysis of proximity to the Thacker Pass mine and general exposure to Nevada mines.
• Experimental testing of three distinct benefit-focused communication frames.

Main Results:

• Residents living closer to the proposed Thacker Pass mine showed increased support.
• Exposure to existing mines in Nevada did not significantly impact public support.
• The national security frame was the only tested frame that effectively increased public support for the mine.

Conclusions:

• Proximity to proposed projects is a significant factor in local public support.
• Framing decarbonization projects around national security and domestic sourcing can enhance public acceptance.
• Effective communication strategies are crucial for overcoming local opposition to essential green infrastructure.