Elon Musk’s proximity to Donald Trump could give him an outsized role in shaping critical mineral policy as the U.S. tackles supply chain challenges for electric vehicles.
Hannah Northey reports for E&E News.
In short:
- Musk’s expertise and investments in mining, including Tesla’s lithium refinery in Texas, position him to influence Trump’s administration on domestic mineral production.
- The Inflation Reduction Act’s rollback could impact EV incentives and supply chains, potentially aiding Tesla while disrupting smaller competitors.
- Environmental advocates fear Musk’s sway might weaken protections like the Endangered Species Act and accelerate mining permits.
Key quote:
“Elon’s always been there, now the megaphone is bigger. This is a pretty small space, so he’s always had a lot of truck.”
— Anonymous lithium producer
Why this matters:
The U.S. is striving to reduce reliance on foreign minerals for EV production, but fast-tracking mining and processing could have environmental and regulatory implications. Musk’s influence may alter policies affecting climate goals, supply chains, and market dynamics in the critical minerals sector.
Related: Trump’s plan to reshape US energy and environmental policy could redefine climate response
