Bill > AR58

This resolution urges the President of the United States and Congress to investigate the environmental and labor risks associated with lithium mining, a critical process for producing batteries used in electric vehicles, cell phones, and other electronic devices. The resolution highlights significant concerns about lithium extraction methods, including hard-rock mining and brine extraction, which have substantial environmental impacts such as excessive water usage, landscape scarring, and high carbon dioxide emissions. Specifically, the resolution points out that in countries like Australia, Chile, and Argentina, lithium mining threatens local ecosystems and indigenous communities, while also raising serious labor rights issues. Of particular concern is the use of child labor in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many of which are owned by Chinese companies connected to the Chinese government. Given that Australia, Chile, China, and Argentina produce 93.7 percent of the world's lithium and the United States imports significant quantities of lithium and lithium-ion batteries from these countries, the resolution calls for a comprehensive investigation to address environmental sustainability and human rights concerns in the lithium industry.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR58