The White House issued an executive order to boost domestic production of a slate of minerals – including potash, most of which is imported now. In the executive order issued Thursday evening, the president directed departments and agencies to work with the newly created National Energy Dominance Council led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to identify mining projects for expedited permitting, gather industry feedback on bottlenecks, identify sites on federal land that may be suitable for mining and prioritize those projects over others. President Donald J. Trump will also use the Defense Production Act, which allows the executive to direct businesses to expand production of products needed for national defense, to spur domestic potash and other critical mineral production.

The U.S. imports more than 98% of the potash used annually. New Mexico and South Dakota are also home to potash reserves that could be tapped to increase domestic production.