The United States is highly dependent on foreign sources of materials and susceptible to supply interruption in the case of many of those minerals and materials essential to the country’s defense and economic development. While other nations have developed and implemented long-term research and technology programs to develop high-performance materials, unfortunately no such policy and program evolution has occurred in the United States.
The National Critical Materials Council comprises of three members who are appointed by the President. The President designates one of the members to serve as Chairman. Each member is qualified to carry out the duties and functions of the Council with special emphasis placed on fields relating to materials policy or materials science and engineering. Moreover, at least one of the members shall have a background in and understanding of environment related issues.
The Council is responsible for coordination with appropriate agencies and departments of the Federal Government relative to Federal materials research and development policies and other programs. Such policies and programs shall be consistent with the policies and goals described in the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980
The Council appoints an Executive Director who performs as the chief administrator of the Council. The Director is appointed by the Council on a full time basis. Further, the Director may consult with representatives of academia, industry, labor, State and local governments to utilize the fullest possible services, facilities, statistical and general information of public and private agencies, organizations and individuals. The Council can also utilize voluntary and uncompensated labor and services in carrying out its duties and functions.
