Murkowski, Manchin target lithium battery ‘Achilles’ heel’

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R) and ranking member Joe Manchin (D) yesterday moved to boost domestic production of key minerals used in lithium-ion batteries considered critical for the electric vehicle industry.

The bipartisan duo unveiled the “American Mineral Security Act, which could mark a significant step toward countering Chinese control over a critical link in the U.S. supply chain for EVs. The bill was introduced after a closed-door summit involving automakers, miners and federal officials.

It tasks federal officials with drawing up a list of foreign-sourced “critical minerals” that find widespread use in products or whose supply chains are vulnerable to geopolitical conflict.

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