Should the US make its own carbon fiber precursor again?

Carbon fiber is made from a starting material called precursor, and most of it comes from a petroleum-based chemistry known as PAN. According to CompositesWorld, Houston-based Mars Materials says its drop-in alternative, Hoigen-C, can be spun into precursor on standard commercial equipment, in work with researchers at NC State. The company says the route avoids hazards such as hydrogen cyanide, and that US precursor output has fallen while foreign suppliers dominate.

Two things to answer: 1. Would you pay more for carbon fiber made in the US? 2. Should a company's claim of equal performance be accepted before independent tests?