economy
Make America into a lithium energy powerhouse
A recent discovery in Appalachia could unlock U.S. dominance in lithium, an increasingly critical mineral. Policymakers should eliminate processing and regulatory hurdles that have kept similar riches locked away and ensure that the United States is well-positioned to take advantage of its richness in this important asset.
TL;DR
- A new discovery in Appalachia reveals 2.3 million metric tons of economically recoverable lithium.
- This find could be enough to replace 328 years of U.S. lithium imports.
- Lithium is crucial for electronics, military equipment, vehicles, and energy storage.
- China currently dominates global lithium production and refining, leveraging this control for political aims.
- The U.S. aims to reclaim mineral independence and boost national security through domestic lithium production.
- Regulatory hurdles, particularly the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), significantly delay mining and refining projects.
- Efforts are underway to reform NEPA and fix the permitting system to facilitate resource extraction.