A Basic Materials Policy for the U.S.: Badly needed, long overdue

With another national election looming, it is worth noting that the U.S. has no national raw materials policy, even in the face of record net import dependence for basic materials and rapid and profound change in competition for raw materials globally. Similarly, the U.S. still has no comprehensive energy policy, despite every indication that the strategic, economic, environmental, and social well-being of current and future generations literally hinges on sound energy policy and proactive implementation going forward. The lack of such policies represents a growing risk for this nation, and these topics deserve high priority attention in the next administration.