Critical minerals are having a bipartisan moment in Washington right now, leading to cautious optimism that Republicans and Democrats can push through legislation to reduce U.S. reliance on China for the raw materials. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why there’s momentum and what tangible progress could be made. Plus, two top EPA nominees advanced out of committee on Thursday on party-line votes, putting the people who will be key to President Donald Trump’s effort to unwind climate regulations closer to confirmation.

James Bikales is a reporter for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy. 

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO. 

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch

And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices