NEMA welcomes legislation on critical minerals.
Press Release Summary:
NEMA welcomed introduction by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) of legislation to update federal policy related to mineral resources critical to U.S. manufacturing industries. These materials include 17 so-called "rare-earth elements," as well as yttrium, scandium, cobalt, lithium, and thorium. An update of previous legislation, American Mineral Security Act of 2015 specifically recognizes importance of critical materials for energy-, technology-, and healthcare-related industries.
Original Press Release:
NEMA Welcomes Legislation on Critical Minerals Supply, Research, Development, and Information
ROSSLYN, Va., —The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) welcomed introduction by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) of legislation to update federal policy related to mineral resources critical to U.S. manufacturing industries, including many NEMA member companies. These materials include the seventeen so-called “rare-earth elements,” as well as other critical materials including yttrium, scandium, cobalt, lithium, and thorium.
“Media reports have raised public awareness about sourcing challenges for critical minerals that many of our member companies have been wrestling with in recent years,” said NEMA President and CEO Kevin J. Cosgriff. “I commend Chairman Murkowski’s consistent leadership on minerals supply and information policy matters, and her introduction of the American Mineral Security Act.”
Senator Murkowski chairs the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The bill, an update of previous legislation, specifically recognizes the importance of critical materials for energy-, technology-, and healthcare-related industries.
“We look forward to working with Senator Murkowski to move this bill forward to passage,” Cosgriff added.
As introduced today, the American Mineral Security Act of 2015 would require the Department of Interior to work with other agencies to define a methodology to produce a list of minerals critical to U.S. industry, defense, and national security; and to conduct a comprehensive national resource assessment for each listed mineral. The act would also direct government agencies to complete permitting and review processes for mining and processing of critical minerals with greater efficiency. The Small Business Administration would be required to report on whether regulations applicable to the critical minerals industry are “outmoded, inefficient, duplicative, or excessively burdensome.”
The legislation would authorize current research and development projects at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to facilitate the more efficient production, use, and recycling of critical minerals; and to develop alternative materials that can be used to reduce the demand for critical mineral commodities. The bill would also direct DOE to conduct research and development into recycling of critical minerals from post-consumer, industrial, or other waste streams. The legislation would also require the U.S. Geological Survey and DOE to collaborate on annual reviews of domestic mineral trends, as well as forward-looking analyses of critical mineral production, consumption, and recycling patterns. Additionally, the legislation would provide for workforce assessments, curriculum development, and worker training related to critical minerals.
NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia. Nearly 400 members strong, its companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical imaging and radiation therapy systems. Total U.S. shipments for electroindustry products exceed $100 billion annually.
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
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