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Foster Introduces Legislation to Research Safer Materials Processing Technologies, Bolster Domestic Battery Supply Chain

July 28, 2023

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced the introduction of the Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act, legislation that would allow the Department of Energy to create a testbed to pilot and study new, safer materials processing technologies needed to bolster our battery supply chain. This testbed would aim to kick-start a domestic materials processing industry in the United States with a focus on environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and minimizing resource intensiveness.

“Now more than ever, there’s an increased demand to process the critical materials that are needed for computers, electric car batteries, solar panels, and more,” said Foster. “Currently, these materials are often processed by foreign industries which lack proper regulations to protect the environment and human health. A testbed managed by the Department of Energy would allow us to trial new technologies to help create a materials processing industry in the United States that protects our workers and the environment.” 

This legislation was inspired by a hearing Foster chaired in the House Science Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight last Congress, which found that materials processing constitutes a major impediment to strengthening the domestic battery supply chain. 

A copy of the bill is available here

 

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