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Interior Official Under Fire for Lithium Mine Conflict

1/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Karen Budd-Falen, a U.S. Interior Department official, faces scrutiny for not disclosing her family's financial interest in a lithium mine approved by the agency.
Her husband, Frank Falen, sold water rights to Lithium Nevada Corp. for $3.5 million, crucial for the $2.2 billion Thacker Pass mine.
Budd-Falen met with Lithium Americas executives in 2019, and a Lithium Americas spokesman said they did not discuss mine or environmental reviews with her.

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Story summary

Karen Budd-Falen, a U.S. Interior Department official, faces scrutiny for not disclosing her family's financial interest in a lithium mine approved by the agency.
Her husband, Frank Falen, sold water rights to Lithium Nevada Corp. for $3.5 million, crucial for the $2.2 billion Thacker Pass mine.
Budd-Falen met with Lithium Americas executives in 2019, and a Lithium Americas spokesman said they did not discuss mine or environmental reviews with her.