WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) released a new white paper titled ‘Fostering an Electric Future: A Federal Perspective on the U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chain,’ analyzing the state of the global critical mineral supply chain and its role in zero emission transportation. In order to meet future demand, the white paper recommends pursuing effective bipartisan permitting reform. It suggests increasing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) coordination among public and private entities. Additionally, it recommends developing a federal battery recycling standard and reforming the U.S. Geological Survey’s critical mineral list; and investing in domestic workforce development. A summary of the report’s key findings is available on ZETA’s Insights Blog.
“Ensuring that we have a secure supply of critical minerals is essential to battery manufacturing. It is also crucial for meeting the growing demand for EVs and renewable energy in the United States,” said Albert Gore, Executive Director of ZETA. “The U.S. and its allies have significant critical mineral resources that qualify for Clean Vehicle Tax Credits. Accessing these resources will support American jobs, improve EV supply chain resilience, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. At the same time, investing in critical mineral development will support our efforts to recycle these valuable resources. This will enable us to close the loop and further reduce transportation’s impact on the environment.”
A recent analysis by the Washington Post found that demand for battery minerals is a fraction of what is needed to power internal combustion engine-powered transportation. Additional analyses of the full vehicle lifecycle show that EVs are significantly better for the environment than internal combustion engines vehicles.
In addition to providing policy recommendations, the white paper provides an overview of global critical mineral development. It includes analysis of lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, and rare earth elements. The white paper also discusses the importance of critical mineral development for the growing EV industry. It addresses current efforts to encourage domestic critical mineral development and the role of global supply chains and friendshoring. Additionally, it explores how critical mineral recycling can close the loop for batteries.
