There is much more to EV batteries than lithium, cobalt and other minerals. There is also many ways to acquire and process lithium. one of the more abundant minerals in the earth. And then there is the advanced research and development into battery recycling processes. As for the Salton Sea, it has been in the geothermal and lithium news for several years now. And it does not ever seem to go very far. Mining and processing permits take years to pass muster. Governor Newsome is merely continuing the environmental efforts and bleeding edge legislation that California has been known for.
Think: CAFE standards for automobiles, or the hula hoop. Lots of things start out west, and go east.