25 LC 129 0147
House Resolution 246
By: Representatives Thomas of the 21
st
, Smith of the 70
th
, Jones of the 47
th
, Efstration of the
104
th
, Cannon of the 172
nd
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the Georgia Institute of Technology and its partners for their
1
NSF GRACE Engine proposal; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is experiencing booming growth of battery, electric3
vehicle, and solar industries and ranks No. 1 in the nation in clean energy investment; and4
WHEREAS, the region hosts large reserves of alternative resources for the production of5
minerals critical to national security and economic competitiveness, including rare earth6
elements and graphite; and7
WHEREAS, robust supply chains for these critical minerals do not currently exist in the8
United States, and raw materials are primarily imported from abroad; and9
WHEREAS, there exists an unparalleled strategic opportunity to build a sustainable critical10
resource supply chain and clean energy ecosystem for the state and region; and11
WHEREAS, the Georgia Institute of Technology and its partner institutions have proposed12
the Growing Resilience for America's Critical Mineral Economy (GRACE) Engine to meet13
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the current supply chain challenges and ensure the end-to-end competitiveness of the new
14
energy economy in Georgia; and15
WHEREAS, the GRACE Engine aims to advance four interdependent focus areas, including16
the optimal use of regional resources and waste valorization in the establishment of a critical17
mineral supply chain; innovation incorporating workforce development and community18
engagement; technology translation and commercialization that considers economic,19
environmental, and social dimensions; and strategic investment and sustainability that20
ensures the ecosystem has the necessary public and private investments to achieve the21
previous focus areas; and22
WHEREAS, the GRACE Engine will enable a self-sustained, inclusive, and equitable23
regional clean energy ecosystem that is unique to Georgia and globally competitive; and24
WHEREAS, the GRACE Engine will offer the State of Georgia an expanded infrastructure25
for workforce development in the critical mineral industry, enrich innovation translation26
frameworks to support business start-ups of all sizes, and establish diverse and accessible27
pathways for a skilled workforce to support family-sustaining jobs, including in Georgia's28
rural and disadvantaged communities.29
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30
the members of this body recognize and commend the Georgia Institute of Technology and31
its partners for their NSF GRACE Engine proposal and acknowledge the importance of32
continuing this effort to ensure Georgia's economic competitiveness and quality of life.33
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
34
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the35
public and the press.36
H. R. 246
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