This year, the United States has been stepping up its efforts to secure the critical minerals that are needed for clean energy projects from countries like Mongolia, which is resource-rich and wedged between China and Russia. But making pacts to deliver these critical minerals to the U.S. isn't easy, and the stakes are high since the Biden administration’s climate goals are at risk. POLITICO’s E&E News reporter Sara Schonhardt breaks down how the U.S. is trying to negotiate with Mongolia and other nations and the challenges of cutting critical mineral deals. Plus, the Energy Department is expected to ease back on its proposed energy efficiency rules for gas stoves.

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Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO.

Sara Schonhardt is an international climate reporter for E&E News.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.

Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

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Why the US is looking to Mongolia for critical minerals