Biden uses Cold War powers to spark battery metals production

What they're saying: The White House said the materials will include lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and manganese.

• It added that the Department of Defense will "implement this authority using strong environmental, labor, community, and tribal consultation standards."

The big picture: Beyond rising oil prices, the fallout from the invasion of Ukraine has also driven up the cost of battery inputs, like nickel. Russia is a major supplier of many of these materials.

• The Trump administration used the Defense Production Act early on in the coronavirus pandemic to direct the private sector to ramp up the production of medical supplies and respirators.

Go deeper:

• Metal prices soar after Russia's invasion of Ukraine
• The mining landmines inside Biden's minerals plan (subscription required)