Legislators Look to Leverage Nation’s Supply of Critical Minerals

As the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated, the United States’ over-reliance on foreign imports of critical minerals, particularly those that are available domestically, can have dangerous effects. Shortages of critical minerals used for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals have been notable in healthcare, but strains on supply lines are also a concern in the energy sector, especially for renewable energy technologies.

Fortunately, U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is highlighting this issue by holding a hearing on Wednesday, June 24, at 9:30 AM Eastern. You can watch it on the committee’s live webcast page or see a recording on its website shortly afterward.

Murkowski, along with Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), are lead sponsors of the American Mineral Security Act, The act would require nationwide resource assessments for every critical mineral and the creation of a list of critical minerals that would be updated at least every three years. The input of several agencies will be essential to improving the process of locating, developing, and using important minerals, and the bill will support further research and development. 

Additionally, the American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act was recently introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Republican Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), House Committee on Space, Science, and Technology Ranking Republican Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and U.S. Representatives Michael Waltz (R-FL) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ). This bill similarly proposes to strengthen our own critical minerals supply chain at home.

The first logical step in reducing dependence on imports is cultivating an awareness of our own strengths and weaknesses in production. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that 14 of the Department of the Interior’s list of 35 critical minerals are 100 percent imported. These bills direct the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate American supply chains to develop proactive policy around weak links. It also charges the USGS with updating mineral resource assessments of critical minerals to inform land management decision making.

Another key to accessing our nation’s untapped resources is permitting reform. Where our northern neighbors in Canada can open a new mine in two to three years, it can take a decade to obtain the federal permitting required to do so in the U.S. These bills aim to streamline the process by directing relevant government entities to establish timelines and facilitate partnerships that hold each party accountable to promised deadlines.

This legislation further seeks to catalyze innovation through the establishment of a U.S. Department of Energy research and development program that would explore new technologies in critical minerals recycling and alternatives. It also funds several grants for mining schools, which could help revive interest in such postsecondary programs with declining enrollment, to develop alternatives and innovative technologies.

 While the legislation urges a balance of development and land conservation based on the assessment of public lands’ potential for critical mineral production, it is important to factor in the value of smart conservation practices as well. ConservAmerica applauds these lawmakers and encourages continued work on legislation that can responsibly secure our supply chains to prevent future crises while also protecting our country’s heritage of beautiful public lands.