SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5526
As of January 18, 2022
Title: An act relating to studying the global availability of lithium and rare earth minerals for battery manufacturing.
Brief Description: Studying the global availability of lithium and rare earth minerals for battery manufacturing.
Sponsors: Senators Fortunato, Padden and Wilson, J..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Business, Financial Services & Trade: 1/20/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Department of Commerce to submit a report to the Legislature examining the global availability of lithium and rare earth minerals used in battery manufacturing. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, FINANCIAL SERVICES & TRADE
Staff: Kellee Gunn (786-7429)
Background:

Rare Earth Minerals.  Rare earth minerals are necessary components in a wide range of consumer products.  These products include batteries and goods such as electric and hybrid vehicles, televisions, cell phones, and computer hard drives.  Lithium and cobalt are not considered rare earth minerals, but are used in battery production.  Though deposits are found throughout the world, most rare earth minerals are produced for consumer products in China.
Summary of Bill:

By December 31, 2023, the Department of Commerce must submit a report to the Legislature examining the global availability of lithium and rare earth minerals used in battery manufacturing.  The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials may be consulted in the preparation of the report.

 

It is the intent of the Legislature to provide sufficient funding for the report.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.