Tuesday’s admission by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland that the Biden administration’s climate agenda is dependent on global critical mineral supply chain chains is evidence of China’s strength was made by Deb Haaland, Interior Secretary.

Haaland was frequently questioned about her administration’s environmental policies, which prevented further domestic production of crucial minerals and opened the door for more reliance on Chinese-sourced mineral. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), Haaland stated that green energy sources “deepen” reliance on Chinese imports.

Reschenthaler stated, “I’m telling to you now that 63% [of rare earth mining] occurs in China.” Deductive reasoning would indicate that electric vehicles and renewables increase our dependence on China. Correct?”

Haaland replied, “Yes.”

The production of green energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery electric vehicles requires a huge expansion in cobalt, copper and lithium production. An International Energy Agency analysis found that an electric vehicle needs 500% more mineral resources than traditional gasoline-powered cars, while an onshore wind turbine plant will require 800% more than a typical fossil fuel.

The majority of the mining and processing of these materials takes place outside of the United States. This makes the country more dependent on foreign minerals, despite having large domestic resources. In 2021, a White House report concluded that China controls more than half the global rare earth mining capacities and an astonishing 85% of rare Earth refining capabilities.

The report stated that the United States must ensure reliable and sustainable supplies for critical minerals and metals in order to provide resilience across U.S. manufacturing operations and defense needs. This must be done in accordance with America’s labor and environmental equity values.

Haaland has led the Department of the Interior to take a variety of steps to reduce critical mineral production in the country.

Haaland, who had previously revoked leases to a mining company in the area, imposed a 20-year ban upon mining on 225,504 acres of northern Minnesota forest. This area contains 88% of the country’s cobalt resources, as well as large amounts of copper-, nickel- and platinum group elements.

A DOI subagency also announced this month that it would examine a separate 20 year mining ban on 20,574 acres near Rapid City in South Dakota. This area contains silver, lithium, and copper deposits. Haaland’s agency also blocks key mining projects in Arizona, and Alaska.

“Whether it be northern Minnesota, south Arizona, Alaska, or South Dakota, these kinds of land restrictions by the anti-mining Biden Administration hamstring domestic development minerals we need to support national defense, energy technology and everyday living,” Rep. Pete Stauber (Republican from Minnesota), who is the chairman of House Natural Resources Energy and Mineral Subcommittee recently stated to Fox News Digital.

He said, “We must use the resources that we have here with our workers, not take them offline.”

Haaland later denied to Reschenthaler that Biden administration policies had boosted Chinese supply chains at cost of domestic alternatives.

“You just informed me that your department had banned critical mineral mining in Rapid Creek watershed, and in northeast Minnesota. The Pennsylvania Republican stated that you also said to me that China is our biggest source of income. “Wouldn’t your actions make us even more dependent on China?”

“No. Haaland replied that since 2021, 20 new mines have been approved by the [Bureau of Land Management].

The interior secretary was later asked if the mines approved would produce critical minerals.