Ricketts, Secretary Wright Tour Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project, Discuss Energy Independence at Roundtable

OMAHA, NE - U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) toured NioCorp's Elk Creek Critical Minerals project on Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Chairman John Jovanovic, Governor Jim Pillen, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), and U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) also attended the event.

The Elk Creek Critical Minerals project will return critical mineral mining and processing back to the United States. Critical minerals and rare earth elements necessary for armored vehicles, fighter jets, and naval ships will be made in Nebraska. This strengthens Nebraska's role in defense and national security.

"Nebraskans play a critical role in strengthening our national security. Advanced minerals needed for key sectors like defense and energy will be made in Elk Creek. The partnership between this community, NioCorp, and EXIM is a model for how we can continue to bolster domestic supply chains," said Ricketts.

Following the tour, Ricketts joined a roundtable hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau. The discussion focused on state ag updates and the important role Nebraska plays in biofuel production and American energy independence. This includes passing year-round E15.

Secretary Wright, Senator Fischer (R-NE), Representative Smith, and U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) also participated.

"Nebraska is an agriculture state and a biofuels state. We have the crops and the opportunity to help lead the nation in biofuel production. Biofuels provide much needed relief at the pump for consumers. They are also a key component in protecting our national security and American energy independence. Thank you to Secretary Wright and all who participated in this discussion on how Nebraska is leading the way on the world stage," said Ricketts.

Senator Pete Ricketts supports efforts to pass a permanent solution for the year-round sale of E15. President Donald Trump also supports year-round E15 and has urged Congress to act.