Alex Fitzsimmons on US Energy Production and Critical Minerals

Steve Lance
By Steve Lance
April 15, 2022Capitol Report
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When we think of America’s natural resources, we often think of oil and gas, but not necessarily the critical rare earth minerals that are used in a wide variety of applications. Many of them are vital to our way of life, from semiconductors to electric cars. China has been focused on creating a monopoly on such minerals both in the United States and inside of mineral-rich Africa. And as a result, the United States is now heavily dependent on foreign countries for many of these natural resources. NTD spoke with Alex Fitzsimmons, former deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy during the Trump administration, to learn more.