October 22, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLean, VA— Copper Development Association Applauds Bipartisan Efforts to Strengthen U.S. Copper Supply Chain
The Copper Development Association (CDA) today expressed strong support for the introduction of S. 5274, the Senate companion bill to H.R. 8446, known as the Critical Mineral Consistency Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to amend the Energy Act of 2020, aligning the definition of “critical minerals” between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to include critical materials such as copper. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that these essential materials receive the federal support needed to strengthen U.S. supply chains and promote national security.
“Arizona leads the way in our national defense and energy future. Our legislation boosts the responsible production of copper and other critical materials, strengthens our national security, reduces reliance on foreign countries, and fuels economic opportunities,” said Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a lead sponsor of the bill.
The introduction of the Critical Mineral Consistency Act comes at a pivotal moment, as the global race for essential materials like copper intensifies, with China leading much of the production. Under current law, benefits granted to critical minerals do not always extend to critical materials—leaving key resources like copper, electrical steel, silicon, and silicon carbide without access to vital federal programs. This legislation would close that gap, ensuring that materials essential to U.S. infrastructure, clean energy development, and defense manufacturing can receive the support they need.
“The Copper Development Association commends the strong bipartisan support for the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, which demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening U.S. supply chains and supporting critical materials like copper,” said Adam Estelle, President and CEO of the CDA. “This commonsense legislation has received widespread backing, including endorsements from clean energy trade associations and positive feedback from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). We urge Congress to act quickly to pass this bill, which will help secure our clean energy future and reduce reliance on foreign sources for these indispensable materials.”
About Copper Development Association
Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA) is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit association of the global copper industry, bringing together the North American copper and copper alloy semis fabricators and global copper mining and production industries. CDA is committed to promoting the proper use of copper materials in sustainable, efficient applications for business, industry and the home.
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