Make America into a lithium energy powerhouse

A recent discovery in Appalachia could unlock U.S. dominance in lithium, an increasingly critical mineral. Policymakers should eliminate processing and regulatory hurdles that have kept similar riches locked away and ensure that the United States is well positioned to take advantage of its richness in this important asset.

Last week, the U.S. Geological Survey announced that 2.3 million metric tons of previously undiscovered but economically recoverable lithium could be extracted from Appalachia. There could be enough to replace 328 years of U.S. imports at last year’s level. The lithium is found in pegmatites, large-grained rocks similar to granite.

The discovery could be transformative, for the region and for the nation.

Lithium is sometimes referred to as “white gold” and is important to many sectors of the economy. It is used in computers, military equipment, vehicles, phones, electric tools, and energy-grid storage. The Geological Survey projects that global lithium production capacity will double