Rep. Obernolte introduces legislation to bolster U.S. critical mineral supply chain

WASHINGTON, DC–U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (CA-23) has introduced legislation to reduce the United States’ reliance on China and other foreign nations for critical minerals. Critical minerals and rare earth metals are used to manufacture consumer electronics, military equipment, electric vehicle batteries, and other advanced technologies vital to America’s homeland security and economic competitiveness. China is currently the largest source for more than half of the critical minerals on the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2022 list. The Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act would address this concern by identifying opportunities to increase the domestic production and recycling of critical minerals.

“Critical minerals are essential to our economy, our national security, and the development of our country’s energy grid,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte.“The Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force will bring stakeholders together to identify how we can enhance our supply chains and shore up production of critical minerals here at home.”

“Access to critical minerals is essential for our national security and energy grid. Our bipartisan bill will identify new ways to reduce our dependency on foreign nations like China for critical minerals,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3). “We can’t afford any disruptions to our critical mineral supply chain.”

This legislation requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director to appoint representatives from federal agencies to consult with state, local, and tribal governments. The Task Force will work to determine how to address national security risks associated with America’s critical mineral supply chains and identify new domestic opportunities for mining, processing, refinement, reuse, and recycling of critical minerals. The bill also requires the Task Force to send a report to Congress and publish findings, guidelines, and recommendations on reducing the United States’ reliance on China and other foreign nations for critical minerals.

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