Clinton Crackel, a professional in nuclear energy and fossil fuels: Rare earth elements are utilized in both civilian and military technologies. China became the world's principal producer or rare earths in the 1990s. By selling at very low prices, it became the source for over 95% of world rare earth production by 2000, even though the pollution to the environment around the production facilities is horrendous. By encouraging production of rare earth elements in the United States, we can eliminate dependence on foreign sources for very important national security materials and do a better job for the environment. It doesn't have to be, it shouldn't be always and only about the bottom line of price, ignoring horrific labor conditions and environmental destruction in far off lands.
