The U.S. is facing increasing demand for critical minerals to support clean energy goals such as the Paris Agreement and the 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. These minerals, which are largely found in sub-Saharan African nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are crucial for green technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), electricity networks, computers, and phones. The Department of Energy (DOE) has acknowledged that 80% of its nation’s supply of critical minerals comes from foreign sources, and a 2021 supply chain assessment found that reliance on foreign sources threatened national and economic security. Albert Wynn, former member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, argues that revitalizing the US Bureau of Mines could streamline government permitting, decision-making, and mining regulation under one body for novel critical mineral demand. He also urges the government to partner with established companies with projects ready for production.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
