Freshman Congressman Eric Swalwell (D, Calif.-15) has introduced H.R. 1022, Securing Energy Critical Elements and American Jobs Act of 2013, to, according to his website, “help the United States develop the technical expertise and production capabilities to assure a long-term, secure, and sustainable supply of energy critical elements.”

With the news cycle still dominated by sequester-related coverage, it’s nice to see that more of our Members of Congress from across the political spectrum are beginning to focus on the issue of mineral resource security, an issue that is more pressing than many realize.

The San Francisco Chronicle has thrown its support behind the measure.