Why critical minerals are having a bipartisan moment
03/14/25 • 8 min
Critical minerals are having a bipartisan moment in Washington right now, leading to cautious optimism that Republicans and Democrats can push through legislation to reduce U.S. reliance on China for the raw materials. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why there’s momentum and what tangible progress could be made. Plus, two top EPA nominees advanced out of committee on Thursday on party-line votes, putting the people who will be key to President Donald Trump’s effort to unwind climate regulations closer to confirmation.
James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.
Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.
Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.
Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.
Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch
And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy
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Critical minerals are having a bipartisan moment in Washington right now, leading to cautious optimism that Republicans and Democrats can push through legislation to reduce U.S. reliance on China for the raw materials. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why there’s momentum and what tangible progress could be made. Plus, two top EPA nominees advanced out of committee on Thursday on party-line votes, putting the people who will be key to President Donald Trump’s effort to unwind climate regulations closer to confirmation.
James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO.
Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.
Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.
Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.
Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch
And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode
What to know about all the big news EPA is making this week
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin made several big moves this week: ending all offices and positions related to environmental justice, terminating $20 billion in Biden-era climate and housing grants, and launching a major deregulatory effort that includes seeking to overturn the federal government’s core scientific finding about the dangers of greenhouse gases. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the details and impact of these moves.
Alex Guillén is an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro.
Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.
Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.
Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.
Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch
And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
DOD will end its ‘climate change crap.’ That could potentially backfire on the Pentagon.
The Trump administration is pushing to terminate the Department of Defense’s climate efforts as part of its broader effort to eliminate “waste” at federal agencies. But some experts say that move could hurt military readiness and operations. Scott Waldman from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down DOD’s push and how it could potentially backfire on the Pentagon. Plus, the Department of Energy late last week reinstated employees who had been fired last month in governmentwide cuts, according to a DOE memo viewed by POLITICO’s E&E News.
Scott Waldman is the White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change.
Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.
Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.
Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.
Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.
For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch
And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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