WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – Maj. Gen. William E. “Bill” Crane (Ret.), former Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, will speak at a high-level Capitol Hill briefing on Tuesday, May 20, focused on securing the nation’s energy future and national defense through stronger domestic battery supply chains.
The event, hosted by CQ/Roll Call and sponsored by the Responsible Battery Coalition, will take place from 7 to 9 a.m. in Washington, D.C.
The event brings together key voices from the military, industry, and policy spheres to address growing concerns over U.S. dependence on foreign-controlled minerals and the urgent need for domestic production and innovation in battery technology.
Gen. Crane, a 36-year Army veteran and leader of the Guard’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Battalion—the only unit of its kind in the nation—will join the panel to highlight the national security implications of battery supply chain vulnerabilities.
He served as Adjutant General from 2021 to 2025, overseeing operations that supported homeland defense and emergency response, and played a key role in strengthening critical mineral security.
The briefing comes amid increasing global instability and supply chain threats, particularly related to antimony, a critical mineral essential to battery manufacturing.
With China controlling nearly half the global supply, experts warn of risks to U.S. military readiness, transportation, agriculture, and emergency services.
Panel topics will include:
- Protecting starter batteries used in vehicles, military equipment, and infrastructure
- Reducing reliance on foreign-controlled mineral supplies
- Advancing battery recycling and domestic manufacturing to build a resilient supply chain
Gen. Crane, who also led the historic 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery Regiment—the oldest active unit in the U.S. military—has earned recognition as a leader in defense innovation.
He holds three U.S. patents and degrees from Glenville State University and West Virginia University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College.
Other confirmed speakers include:
- Adam Muellerweiss, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Clarios and President of the Responsible Battery Coalition
- Craig Singleton, Senior Director, China Program, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
- Micah Thompson, Senior Manager, Energy and Utilities, Advance Auto Parts
- Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy
- Additional elected officials and policymakers (to be announced)
The event aims to build bipartisan momentum for strengthening the U.S. battery industry and protecting national interests.
