Mining News: News Nuggets: Critical minerals bill in the House
Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nevada, April 22 introduced the “National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2015,” which is intended to address American dependence on foreign minerals and to enable the United States to more efficiently develop its own mineral supplies. “It’s not hyperbole to say our national defense and way of life depend on mineral production,” said Amodei. “From military technology, such as aircraft and missiles used by service men and women to defend our country, to the cars, smartphones and televisions we use every day, they all contain strategic and critical minerals such as rare earth elements, gold and silver, to name a few.” This legislation, H.R. 1937, enjoys the support of 29 original co-sponsors. It would require the U.S. departments of Interior and Agriculture to more efficiently develop domestic sources of strategic and critical minerals and mineral materials, including rare earth elements. The bill aims to facilitate a timely permitting process for mineral exploration projects by clearly defining the responsibilities of a lead agency; and setting the total review process for issuing permits to 30 months. The legislation also aims to ensure American mining projects are not indefinitely delayed by frivolous lawsuits by setting a 60-day time limit to file a legal challenge to a mining project; limiting injunctive relief to what is necessary to correct the violation of a legal requirement; and prohibiting the payment of attorney’s fees, expenses and other costs by the U.S. taxpayer. Amodei said H.R. 1937 respects and upholds all environmental laws while setting timelines that ensure these laws do not become tools for lawsuits or bureaucrats to block or delay responsible projects. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, introduced a similar piece of legislation, the “American Mineral Security Act of 2015,” to the Senate in March.
- Shane Lasley
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