U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Martha McSally, R-Ariz., and Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation that takes a comprehensive approach to begin reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign minerals. Murkowski made the announcement about S. 1317, the American Mineral Security Act, yesterday morning while delivering remarks at the Benchmark Minerals Summit.
“Our nation’s mineral security is a significant, urgent, and often ignored challenge. Our reliance on China and other nations for critical minerals costs us jobs, weakens our economic competitiveness, and leaves us at a geopolitical disadvantage,” Murkowski said. “I greatly appreciate the administration’s actions to address this issue, but Congress needs to complement them with legislation. Our bill takes steps that are long overdue to reverse our damaging foreign dependence and position ourselves to compete in growth industries like electric vehicles and energy storage.”
“I am grateful to continue working with Chairman Murkowski to find ways to reduce our reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals in a responsible way. Our legislation requires common sense steps to begin restoring American independence regarding critical minerals and strengthen our national security, diversify our economy and create job opportunities in our communities,” Manchin said.
“Mining and mineral production is central to Arizona’s economy and identity. The bipartisan American Mineral Security Act will modernize our nation’s approach to critical mineral procurement to boost U.S. production, create jobs, and improve our national security – all while maintaining strong environmental protections,” McSally said.
Key provisions of the American Mineral Security Act would:
Authorize research and development for recycling and replacements for critical minerals, as well as chemistry, material science, and applied research and development for processing of critical minerals;
Cause and Effect. Pristine SA- Clean Coal Technologies Inc.
