In the event of a supply disruption, the first action to be taken would be to monitor exports, followed, if necessary, by export controls. The Export Administration Act authorizes use of export controls to restrict exports detrimental to U.S. national security, to further U.S. foreign policy, or to protect the domestic economy from the excessive drain of scarce materials and to reduce the serious inflationary impact of foreign demand. The Secretary of Commerce is charged with monitoring exports and contracts for exports, of any nonagricultural good "when the volume of such exports in relation to domestic supply contributes, or may contribute, to an increase in domestic prices or a domestic shortage, and such price increase or shortage has, or may have, a serious adverse impact on the economy or any sector thereof."

A worsening supply situation would require imposition of a system of priorities, under Title I of the Defense Production Act, whereby rated orders would have to be filled first. If priorities proved to be inadequate, they would be followed by a system of allocations, also authorized by Title I. and Commerce would implement priorities and allocations in their respective areas of responsibility.

Interior

At some point in a serious shortage situation recourse to the strategic stockpile might be required. The Stock Piling Act provides for release "(1) on the order of the President, at any time the President determines the release of such materials is required for purposes of the national defense; and (2) in time of war declared by the Congress or during a national emergency, on the order of any officer or employee of the United States designated by the President to have authority to issue disposal orders . . . if . . . required for purposes of the national defense." To release stockpiled materials, DOD, in consultation with other agencies including the Bureau of Mines, would prepare a justification and recommendation for the President's signature. On receipt of the President's order DOD would release the material to specified recipients.

Export controls, priorities and allocations, and stockpile releases, however, are only temporary measures of limited effectiveness. Any long-lasting supply disruption would call for supply expansion programs under Title III of the Defense Production Act. These would cover not only domestic deposits but also deposits in reliable foreign sources. The Bureau of Mines would recommend needed mineral supply expansion programs to FEMA, which would then direct GSA to make the necessary contractual arrangements.