Critical Minerals Policy and Research Bill welcomed by NEMA.

Press Release Summary:



Introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011 aims to jump-start federal policy and research related to availability of specific raw materials - 17 rare earth elements, yttrium, scandium, cobalt, lithium, thorium, and helium - critical to U.S. manufacturing, economic competitiveness, and security. NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis said that this bipartisan bill "brings greater urgency and coordination at federal level."



Original Press Release:



NEMA Welcomes Introduction of Murkowski Critical Minerals Policy and Research Bill



ROSSLYN, Va.-NEMA welcomed the introduction today by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) of the Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011, a bipartisan and comprehensive approach to jump-starting federal policy and research related to the availability of specific raw materials critical to U.S. manufacturing, economic competitiveness, and security. These materials include the seventeen rare earth elements, yttrium, scandium, cobalt, lithium, thorium, and helium.

"Senator Murkowski's bill seeks not only to leverage the good work that has already been done so far, but also to bring greater urgency and coordination at the federal level and drive new opportunities and resources for U.S. manufacturers," NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis said. "The bill specifically recognizes the importance of critical materials for many NEMA industries, including but not limited to arc welding, lighting, electric motors, superconducting wire, advanced batteries, and medical imaging.

"We look forward to working with Senator Murkowski and her colleagues as well as a multi-industry coalition to move this bill forward," Gaddis added.

In summary, as introduced the Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011 would, in part:
  • Establish an official process to assess and designate minerals as critical in terms of potential supply restrictions and importance to energy, defense and health-care applications
  • Establish an interagency working group on critical materials to facilitate greater exploration and development of domestic critical minerals
  • Establish a critical minerals research and development programs at the Department of Energy on recycling technology and possible alternative materials.

    NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association's Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.
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