While the United States pours money into foreign mineral imports, other countries are recognizing the value of self-sufficiency: Japan has drafted a bill requiring consumers to recycle used electronics containing rare earth and critical metals. The federally-sponsored move illustrates the priority Japanese officials are giving to mineral policy, a focus that contrasts sharply with the general apathy of U.S. lawmakers.

Developing a secure resource supply is not something America can afford to do at the last minute. We need to start exploring our domestic resources now before it is too late.