Bill package addresses critical elements extraction

A six-bill package recently introduced in the state House of Representatives would lay the groundwork to recover Earth’s critical elements from former industrial sites in Pennsylvania.

Earth’s critical elements include cobalt, indium, lithium, manganese and zinc. They are used to manufacture many technologies including automobiles, computers, defense systems and smartphones.

“The reliability of our modern supply chain requires reliable access to Earth’s critical elements from Pennsylvania,” state Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield/Elk), who introduced one of the bills, said. “This package of legislation secures access to Earth’s critical elements via the remnants of Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage.”

Bill one would update the tax structure to reflect critical elements’ economic value.

Bill two would extend protections to owners of properties with mine waste and other legacy industrial byproducts that are reclaiming critical elements.

Bill three would establish an experimental permit program for new technologies

Bill four would prevent tax money from being used to purchase electric vehicles manufactured with components produced with forced labor.

Bill five would leverage existing industrial site reuse programs for responsible reclamation of critical elements.

Bill six would provide financial assistance to demonstrate the financial viability of reclaiming critical elements.