Coalition Sends Letter to Congress Urging for Critical Minerals Legislation

In an effort to promote the domestic production of critical minerals, a coalition of 38 diverse companies and organizations directed a coalition letter to Congress urging members to send critical minerals legislation to President Barack Obama for his signature.

Representing interests from the defense, energy, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, academic, electronics, finance, and medical industries, the coalition represents nearly every sector of the U.S. economy. Each organization agrees that critical minerals legislation will bolster America’s national and economic security, create jobs, and reduce America’s reliance on foreign countries.

“From exploration to recycling, we are active in the supply chains for nearly every commodity. As a result, we have a unique perspective on the public policies needed for reliable, affordable, and secure sources of raw materials. Updating our geologic data, reducing delays in permitting, bolstering research, and encouraging efficient use can pay dividends for future generations. An opportunity exists to advance these objectives in a bipartisan manner, which would allow the United States to leverage its world-class mineral reserves and reduce our reliance on foreign countries for over half the available supplies of 40 different mineral commodities.

Greater domestic production of critical minerals can bolster our national and economic security, and create jobs. A more robust supply of these raw materials would make the United States – already an attractive market for business – an even more advantageous place for investment going forward. This production can and should be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with our nation’s environmental regulations.”

While the House of Representatives passed Rep. Mark Amodei’s (R-Nev.) “National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2013” last fall, it’s time for the Senate to take meaningful action on reworking this outdated regulatory process and advancing policies that benefit the American economy.