AK HR16

Urges U.S. Congress to expeditiously pass H.R. 4866 to reestablish domestic rare earth element production, processing, refining, and magnet manufacturing industries in the United States.

Recommends continued exploration of rare earth deposits in Alaska and prompt issuance of permits for extraction, processing, and production of rare earth materials on Bokan Mountain properties on Prince of Wales Island.

Notes that Bokan Mountain contains heavy rare earth elements including europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, and yttrium, which differ from rare earth deposits found elsewhere in the United States.

Identifies that China currently accounts for 97 percent of world production of rare earth elements and has reduced exports, creating national security concerns for defense and clean energy technologies.

Directs distribution of the resolution to key congressional committee chairs and Alaska's congressional delegation, including Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich and Representative Don Young.