On the recordAugust 6, 2022
the United States' mineral security has really become our Achilles' heel. It is a significant threat to our economy, to our competitiveness, to our security, and to our geopolitical leverage, all at the same time. We know that mineral demand is skyrocketing, and yet it is harder than ever to produce minerals here in this country. So what we have done is that we have turned to imports to fill the gaps in our supply. We are seeking, through this amendment, to put some limited assistance on the table to make sure that projects for the most critical minerals can move forward in a timely manner. That is what my amendment does for cobalt and for nickel. Right now, we import 76 percent of our cobalt, 48 percent of our nickel, but demand is growing so dramatically for both as a result of EVs, of energy storage systems, and other clean technologies. So what we are seeking to do with this is repurpose $400 million for States to implement energy efficiency codes to instead ensure that domestic nickel and cobalt projects can advance. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time in opposition? The Senator from New Mexico.
