HR246: HR246 Georgia Institute of Technology and its partners; NSF GRACE Engine proposal; commend

25 LC 129 0147 House Resolution 246 By: Representatives Thomas of the 21st, Smith of the 70th, Jones of the 47th, Efstration of the 104th, Cannon of the 172nd, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the Georgia Institute of Technology and its partners for their1 NSF GRACE Engine proposal; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is experiencing booming growth of battery, electric3 vehicle, and solar industries and ranks No. 1 in the nation in clean energy investment; and4 WHEREAS, the region hosts large reserves of alternative resourc es for the production of5 minerals critical to national security and economic competitive ness, including rare earth6 elements and graphite; and7 WHEREAS, robust supply chains for these critical minerals do no t currently exist in the8 United States, and raw materials are primarily imported from abroad; and9 WHEREAS, there exists an unparalleled strategic opportunity to build a sustainable critical10 resource supply chain and clean energy ecosystem for the state and region; and11 WHEREAS, the Georgia Institute of Technology and its partner institutions have proposed12 the Growing Resilience for America's Critical Mineral Economy (GRACE) Engine to meet13 H. R. 246 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0147 the current supply chain challenges and ensure the end-to-end c ompetitiveness of the new14 energy economy in Georgia; and15 WHEREAS, the GRACE Engine aims to advance four interdependent focus areas, including16 the optimal use of regional resources and waste valorization in the establishment of a critical17 mineral supply chain; innovation incorporating workforce develo pment and community18 engagement; technology translation and commercialization that c onsiders economic,19 environmental, and social dimensions; and strategic investment and sustainability that20 ensures the ecosystem has the necessary public and private inve stments to achieve the21 previous focus areas; and22 WHEREAS, the GRACE Engine will enable a self-sustained, inclusi ve, and equitable23 regional clean energy ecosystem that is unique to Georgia and globally competitive; and24 WHEREAS, the GRACE Engine will offer the State of Georgia an expanded infrastructure25 for workforce development in the critical mineral industry, enr ich innovation translation26 frameworks to support business start-ups of all sizes, and esta blish diverse and accessible27 pathways for a skilled workforce to support family-sustaining jobs, including in Georgia's28 rural and disadvantaged communities.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30 the members of this body recognize and commend the Georgia Institute of Technology and31 its partners for their NSF GRACE Engine proposal and acknowledg e the importance of32 continuing this effort to ensure Georgia's economic competitiveness and quality of life.33 H. R. 246 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0147 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the35 public and the press.36 H. R. 246 - 3 -