Congressman Tim Moore Pens Letter to EPA Regarding Odor Caused By Off-Gassing in Lithium Mine Near Kings Mountain

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) penned a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Jane Nishida, urging the agency to assist with monitoring emissions from the proposed Albemarle open-pit lithium mine near Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The request stems from concerns about the off-gassing of dihydrogen sulfide (H2S) caused by the dewatering process at the site.

“The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has assured my district’s communities that the current concentration of H2S in the air is not harmful,” Congressman Moore wrote in the letter. “However, I am requesting the EPA’s assistance under the enforcement statutes of the Clean Air Act to monitor H2S levels to ensure they remain below potentially toxic thresholds.”

The proposed mine is critical to U.S. economic competitiveness due to its potential to supply lithium, a key component in high-density batteries and other energy technologies. Congressman Moore stressed the importance of balancing the mine's development with the safety of local residents.

“While I recognize the mine’s strategic importance, it is imperative to address the concerns of nearby residents and ensure their safety throughout the process,” he added.

Read the full letter here.

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