Securing the Future: Critical Materials Policies for the US Energy Transition

Abstract

As the U.S. pushes forward industrial policies to support its energy transition with policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to develop domestic green-tech supply chains, it overlooks the crucial need for a sustainable and secure supply of critical materials. This oversight threatens the success of the nation’s sustainable transition due to limited resilience and dependencies on geopolitically, environmentally, and socially sensitive international sourcing, particularly from China. This thesis examines the key considerations for the US to secure a sustainable supply of these materials, hypothesizing that a comprehensive policy framework integrating sustainable practices, domestic production incentives, and international cooperation can effectively reduce risks and externalities. Methods include empirical and case studies that highlight specific challenges such as permitting delays and dependency on foreign minerals, alongside economic models analyzing the impacts of these dependencies and market dynamics. Industry roundtables provide insights into prospective innovations and recent trends in the industry. Findings indicate significant market outlook uncertainty, critical dependence on imports, and significant limitations and inertia for new domestic resources development. The thesis proposes a policy framework aimed at addressing these deficiencies to support the U.S. in leading the global transition to sustainable technologies. Recommendations focus on enabling domestic production increase through better regulation and innovation, adopting sustainable practices, and diversifying supply chains to enhance resilience. This framework is crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics involved in shaping a resilient U.S. energy strategy.