Senator spoke about the importance of responsible critical mineral production with the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition
PHOENIX – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema highlighted the steps she’s taken to advance the responsible production of critical minerals in Arizona during a fireside chat with the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) and Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC).
“Arizona leads the way in our national defense and energy future. I’m working across the aisle to further our leadership by boosting the responsible production of critical minerals, strengthening our national security, reducing reliance on foreign countries, and fueling economic opportunities,” said Sinema.
The Senator routinely works with the AZDIC to bolster supply chains and ensure Arizona is at the forefront of providing the minerals and materials needed for national defense and energy security.
Recently, Sinema was presented with recommendations on how to strengthen the critical minerals supply chain from a task force she commissioned through her leadership of the Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition. At Sinema’s direction, the working group focuses on increasing critical minerals and materials from recycling and reprocessing waste streams, and improving processing and refining capacity, while ensuring the highest environmental and social standards.
Sinema additionally secured historic funding for critical mineral and clean energy supply chains research in her bipartisan infrastructure law:
$3 billion for Battery Material Processing Grants
$3 billion for Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grants
$320 million into the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
$167 million to establish a USGS Energy and Minerals Research Facility
$140 million to establish a Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility
$200 million for an Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second-Life Application Program
$750 million for an Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program
$100 million for Critical Minerals Mining and Recycling Research
AZDIC is a coalition of regional organizations inspired by Senator McCain, comprising the defense and mining industries, military, veterans and more, to act as a united voice and advocate for regional and national security efforts.
PCFR is dedicated to growing Arizona’s global prominence by providing forums that explore critical foreign policy issues and build enduring international connections.
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