Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial for energy transition technologies like battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric vehicles. With a majority of the mining and supply chain overseas, the US is reshoring manufacturing capabilities but faces challenges in ensuring a steady supply of critical elements. To address this, the US Department of Energy awarded $17 million for 14 projects nationwide, focusing on critical materials research and recovery. Projects aim to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and tap into domestic sources of critical materials, supporting the growth of the manufacturing industry. Some projects in Texas are specifically focused on recovering and repurposing REEs from electronic waste. The US aims to secure a stable supply chain of critical materials closer to home by 2027, moving towards self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on countries like China. Initiatives like these highlight a positive shift towards fostering domestic production and innovation in the energy sector.