McDonald Rivet Advocates to Secure Supply Chains And Lower Costs for Michigan Manufacturing and Farmers

WASHINGTON-Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) sent a letter to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to advocate for the inclusion of silicon and potash on the 2025 List of Critical Minerals. This designation would secure supply chains and lower the costs of essential inputs for mid-Michigan manufacturers and farmers, helping them protect and create good-paying jobs.

In the letter Congresswoman McDonald Rivet says: "To better support American farmers and manufacturers, strengthen our domestic supply chains, and protect the livelihoods of hardworking families, I urge you to include these two resources on the final list…silicon and potash are vital to our continued economic growth, supply chain resilience, and our ability to compete-and win-against China."

The USGS List of Critical Minerals identifies materials that are vital to U.S. economic and national security interests. Silicon is used to produce semiconductors for electronics, and potash is a widely used fertilizer. The United States currently relies heavily on nations like China for these materials. Classifying silicon and potash as critical minerals would boost investment in domestic production, streamline permitting processes, and secure a national stockpile - making it easier for local manufacturers and farmers to access these materials.

"Silicon is an essential component in American automotive manufacturing, contributing to the auto industry's ability to produce cutting-edge technologies that make vehicles cleaner, safer, and smarter," said the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. "We're grateful to Congresswoman McDonald Rivet for supporting silicon to be designated as a critical mineral, which will help us secure a trusted and resilient domestic supply of the silicon needed to maintain the global competitiveness of the auto industry in the U.S. and to preserve our nation's economic and national security."

"Potash isn't just a fertilizer; it's essential to food security, crop quality, and sustainable agriculture. Potash helps farmers grow stronger, more resilient crops, improve yields, enhance disease and drought resistance, and make the most of other nutrients," said Michael Houghtaling, a Saginaw County farmer who serves on the Co-op Board of Directors for Michigan Sugar Company. "When advocating for potash to be recognized as a critical mineral, Congresswoman McDonald Rivet is standing up for American agriculture - giving farmers every possible tool to grow the best crops while managing rising input costs and protecting their livelihoods."

A copy of the letter can be found here.