Group offers energy and industrial playbook for countering China

Axios

a day ago

The U.S. has reached an "inflection point" that demands "swift and decisive action" to reverse erosion of industrial capacity and tech leadership, warns a major new report from the nonprofit Securing America's Future Energy.
Why it matters: "The rise of China as a global economic and military competitor presents one of the most existential challenges the United States has faced in its history," it finds.
The U.S. is "increasingly reliant on foreign adversaries" for minerals, tech, and supply chains that power the economy and our defense.
The big picture: The report blends geopolitical analysis with detailed policy ideas.
It's grouped around reinforcing four "pillars of power" that underpin security — materials for defense needs are a theme here — and industrial resilience:
Expanding and securing supplies of minerals and materials.
Satisfying energy security needs.
Promoting new tech that maximizes efficiency and diversification.
Increasing manufacturing capacity.
Between the lines: It's quite Trump-y in some ways while implicitly rejecting some of his policies in others.
A spin through the often-detailed recommendations shows many are consistent with Trump 2.0 goals in areas like LNG and domestic oil and critical minerals production.
Yes, but: Elsewhere, citing manufacturing competitiveness goals, it backs tech like EVs and solar that Trump officials disdain as they yank away federal support.
"EVs will likely play a major role in the future of the automotive industry — and the United States must lead the transition for both national and economic security reasons," it states at one point.
And it calls for an even more aggressive industrial policy at a time Trump officials are already moving in this direction via efforts like taking a direct stake in rare earths company MP Materials.
Zoom in: Here are just a few of the 30 detailed policy recommendations that caught my eye beyond the usual stuff like permitting reform...
New DOE and DOD-led cost-sharing initiatives with battery manufacturers and other downstream industries.
Direct Pentagon purchasing of small modular reactors.
Expanded Transportation Department grants for zero-emissions vehicles.
"Congress should reprioritize existing loan guarantee programs to support advanced energy, manufacturing, and dual-use manufacturing capacity."
Using the Defense Production Act and export finance agencies to enhance access to help allies develop minerals the U.S. does not possess.