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The executive order calls for expedited permitting along with financing and loans for mining projects that could support domestic manufacturing of energy storage, electric vehicle batteries, solar modules, and more. President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate domestic production of critical minerals by using emergency powers to expedite permitting and increase financing and lending for mineral mining projects. The minerals covered by the order include uranium, copper, potash, gold, and any other elements, compounds, or materials as determined by the Chairman of the National Energy Mastery Council, such as coal. Nickel, copper, and other minerals are used in the manufacture of silicon-based solar modules. “Access to critical raw materials remains a significant barrier to scaling clean energy production here at home,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, executive director of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “President Trump’s executive order takes crucial steps to address these challenges by improving interagency coordination and streamlining the permitting process.” With an expanded list of critical minerals, innovative financing solutions, and broader eligibility for the FAST-41 program, this order opens up new opportunities to overcome barriers and accelerate the growth of clean energy manufacturing and deployment in the United States, said Ross Hopper. FAST-41 is a legislatively established process to improve federal agency coordination and the timeliness of environmental reviews for infrastructure projects. A number of minerals such as graphite, copper, manganese, and lithium are used in batteries for long-term energy storage, home backup systems, and electric vehicle batteries. Rebecca Konolige, director of federal affairs for the Zero Emissions Transportation Partnership, said, “Hardrock mineral development—from mining to processing and refining—is truly the foundation of our modern economy. Raw materials like copper, graphite, lithium, and cobalt are essential to countless advanced technologies, from missile systems to consumer electronics to electric vehicles.” “Allowing the United States to truly compete in these sectors is necessary to maintain our advantage in the global marketplace and create jobs here at home,” Konolige said. “This is more important than ever as allied nations work to reorient critical supply chains away from foreign adversaries, and the private sector works to develop a secure and reliable source of minerals to support domestic manufacturing.” |
