OPINION:
“Green New Deal would fuel ’massive increase’ in mining for China” (Web, April 16) makes a false generalization about mining and the environment, and ignores the significant economic opportunity that exists here at home as renewables are added to the grid. This is a topic especially relevant now as we look for opportunities for economic recovery when the nation gets back to work.
Despite the temporary dips in energy demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, energy demand will return. And on top, not in place, of that return will come alternative energy sources. Green-energy technologies will require a massive increase in mining for minerals such as lithium, copper, iron and aluminum, as well as other raw materials.
Instead of assuming that these minerals will come from elsewhere, an increased demand for such minerals could hold promise for America’s economic recovery. Sourcing them at home will not only provide a boost to the economy in the mining sector and associated industries, but will also help shore up our domestic supply chain, providing U.S. manufacturers with a steady stream of materials needed to ramp up production.
The growth of renewable technologies and the emergence of electric vehicles are welcome developments that are part of an all-of-the-above energy solution. Our strategy must still include traditional sources of power, which will continue to meet the lion’s share of our energy needs. Rebuilding our materials supply chains and ensuring the mined materials we all use are produced responsibly should be a national priority.
RICH NOLAN
President and CEO, National Mining Association
Washington
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