Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2888

Introduced
4/26/23  
Refer
4/26/23  

Caption

ONSHORE Manufacturing Act of 2023 Obtaining National and Secure Homeland Operations for Rare Earth Manufacturing Act of 2023

Impact

If passed, HB2888 would significantly influence state laws and regulations pertaining to industrial investment in rare earth element production. The legislation could establish a framework for federal funding that supports state-level initiatives, enhancing the local economy and creating job opportunities. Moreover, the focus on rare earth elements ties into broader national security concerns, as these materials are vital for the production of defense-related technologies. The bill's emphasis on creating secure supply chains could lead to enhanced collaboration between the federal government and state entities to address environmental and economic challenges associated with rare earth mining and processing.

Summary

House Bill 2888, titled the 'Obtaining National and Secure Homeland Operations for Rare Earth Manufacturing Act of 2023,' is designed to establish a federal program to incentivize investments in facilities that handle the metallurgy of rare earth elements. The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to create programs that promote the development of secure supply chains for rare earth elements, which are crucial for various industries, including defense, technology, and renewable energy. By providing financial assistance and incentives for constructing and upgrading facilities dedicated to this purpose, the bill aims to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Contention

Notably, the bill may generate contention regarding the environmental implications of expanding rare earth element production. Critics may express concerns about the potential impact on ecosystems from increased mining activities and the lifecycle management of hazardous materials. Additionally, the bill does not allocate funds for addressing pollution control or waste management associated with rare earth processing, which may lead to disputes over the necessity for stricter environmental regulations. Furthermore, the bill's mechanisms to prioritize domestic interests over foreign entities could spark debates about global trade relationships and the implications of isolationist policies on international cooperation.

Companion Bills

US SB44

Same As Obtaining National and Secure Homeland Operations for Rare Earth Manufacturing Act of 2023 or the ONSHORE Manufacturing Act of 2023 This bill sets forth provisions to support secure supply chains of rare earth elements. A rare earth element means a natural element associated with (1) the metallic element scandium, with atomic number 21; (2) the metallic element yttrium, with atomic number 39; or (3) any of the series of 15 metallic elements between lanthanum, with atomic number 57, and lutetium, with atomic number 71, on the periodic table. The Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program that provides financial assistance for facilities located in the United States that produce finished rare earth products from purified rare earth elements. Financial assistance may be provided to (1) construct such facilities, (2) support workforce development for the facilities, or (3) support site development and technological upgrade for facilities. The Department of the Treasury may establish the Minerals Security Partnership Fund to support the development and adoption of a secure supply chain for rare earth elements. DOE must also establish an initiative with educational, workforce training, and apprenticeship programs relating to advanced rare earth element mining, separation, processing, metallurgy, and advanced equipment maintenance capabilities. In addition, the President must develop a plan of action for using the authorities available under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to establish or enhance a domestic production capability for finished rare earth products and related technologies.

Previously Filed As

US SB44

Obtaining National and Secure Homeland Operations for Rare Earth Manufacturing Act of 2023 or the ONSHORE Manufacturing Act of 2023 This bill sets forth provisions to support secure supply chains of rare earth elements. A rare earth element means a natural element associated with (1) the metallic element scandium, with atomic number 21; (2) the metallic element yttrium, with atomic number 39; or (3) any of the series of 15 metallic elements between lanthanum, with atomic number 57, and lutetium, with atomic number 71, on the periodic table. The Department of Energy (DOE) must establish a program that provides financial assistance for facilities located in the United States that produce finished rare earth products from purified rare earth elements. Financial assistance may be provided to (1) construct such facilities, (2) support workforce development for the facilities, or (3) support site development and technological upgrade for facilities. The Department of the Treasury may establish the Minerals Security Partnership Fund to support the development and adoption of a secure supply chain for rare earth elements. DOE must also establish an initiative with educational, workforce training, and apprenticeship programs relating to advanced rare earth element mining, separation, processing, metallurgy, and advanced equipment maintenance capabilities. In addition, the President must develop a plan of action for using the authorities available under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to establish or enhance a domestic production capability for finished rare earth products and related technologies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.