U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) recently introduced a bill aimed at safeguarding crucial mining and mineral refining activities in the United States from potential adverse impacts of the Biden administration's policies. According to a press release from Moore, without this legislative intervention, the U.S. risks falling further behind China's current dominance in the critical mineral market.
Moore, who also serves as the House Republican Conference vice chair, introduced this legislation in response to the Biden administration's recent proposal. The proposal seeks to limit the coverage and expedited permitting of minerals under Title 41 of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council Act (FAST-41 Act). This bill was co-led by Natural Resources Vice Chairman Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) and Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.).
Newhouse expressed his concerns about the implications of this rule change, stating in the press release, "This rule change would make the United States even more reliant on Communist China for minerals, putting our national and economic security at risk."
An article from Elements highlighted that China currently holds a dominant position as a primary producer of many critical minerals worldwide. It accounts for 60% of rare earth elements used in high-tech devices such as smartphones and computers, has a 13% share in lithium production, and plays a significant role in refining 35% of global nickel, 58% of lithium, and 70% of cobalt.
In response to these statistics, Moore said in his press release: "The Biden administration’s proposed rule will prevent the US from meeting our domestic mining production goals and reducing our reliance on China." He added: "At a time when legacy mineral demand has never been higher, the federal government needs to leverage every tool to meet our energy manufacturing and infrastructure needs rather than sending the wrong signal to industry."
Lamborn also voiced his support for Moore's bill, stating in the press release: "I have consistently pushed back against the Biden administration to protect American energy production. Our bill will ensure a secure domestic mineral supply chain and push back against China’s chokehold on the production and refinement of minerals."
