New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR190

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/28/23
• Refer: 12/28/23

Caption

Condemns use of child and slave labor to mine cobalt for use in electric vehicle batteries, and urges State to take all action possible to discourage use to cobalt mined by child and slave labor.

Impact

This resolution directly impacts state policies regarding sourcing materials for electric vehicle batteries, pushing for a re-evaluation of how cobalt is obtained. By highlighting the grave human rights violations associated with cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where up to 40,000 child miners work under perilous conditions, the resolution underscores the urgent need for companies using cobalt to ensure ethical supply chains. It advocates for alternative sources and materials, thereby potentially influencing the electric vehicle industry in New Jersey and beyond to adopt more responsible practices.

Summary

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 190 (ACR190) addresses the alarming issue of child and slave labor used in the mining of cobalt, a critical raw material for electric vehicle batteries. The resolution condemns these practices and encourages the state of New Jersey to prohibit the use of cobalt sourced through such labor. With the demand for cobalt projected to escalate significantly in the coming years, the consequences of this exploitation of vulnerable populations have become an urgent concern for policymakers.

Contention

The resolution does not propose specific legislation but rather acts as a strong moral statement against child and slave labor in cobalt mining. Notably, it stresses the responsibility of manufacturers to exercise due diligence in tracing the origins of their resources. While proponents argue that this resolution is a necessary step toward ethical sourcing in the growing electric vehicle market, some may see challenges in enforcing such standards across international supply chains. Critics may argue about the feasibility of finding alternative sources of cobalt or other materials, especially considering the projected rise in demand for electric vehicles as part of climate change initiatives.