The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing nearly $10 million in two projects to extract rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal sources in the United States. These projects, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign supply chains for clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells. The selected projects will focus on improving the economic viability of rare earth element separation and refining technologies, utilizing secondary and unconventional coal-based resources. The California Institute of Technology and the University of Utah are the institutions leading these efforts to produce rare earth elements and critical minerals for industrial and manufacturing applications. The projects are part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, which seeks to reimagine the use of coal waste and by-products as a domestic source of critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies. By harnessing coal reserves, waste coal, and coal ash domestically, the U.S. aims to build a sustainable supply chain to support economic growth, clean energy deployment, and national security. In addition to the immediate investments, the DOE has committed significant funding for projects supporting critical minerals and materials exploration, resource identification, and production in traditional mining and fossil fuel-producing communities across the country. The initiatives under the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management focus on advancing technology to reduce environmental and climate impacts, including carbon capture, hydrogen production, and critical minerals production. To ensure community engagement and equitable benefits, selected project teams are required to submit Community Benefits Plans aligned with the Justice40 Initiative. This initiative aims to direct a significant portion of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and pollution. Overall, the DOE's efforts in advancing domestic critical minerals production from coal showcase a positive step towards enhancing national security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.