This episode of the Energizing America Podcast continues the conversation with Ryan Sistad from Better In Our Backyard. Ryan and Shane dig into the challenges of permitting mines in Minnesota, comparing the decades-long delays in projects on the Iron Range to states like Arizona where mines are permitted in just a few years. They explore how access to critical minerals like copper, nickel, and cobalt is not only an economic driver but also a national security issue. Ryan also shares insights on bringing new voices into the mining and energy conversation, the need for supply chain independence, and the vision behind Better In Our Backyard’s first national conference aimed at uniting leaders across mining and energy to push for responsible resource development.