Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative hearing on three bills improving access to and development of minerals essential to everyday use and national security. Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) issued the following statement in response: 

"As demand for critical minerals is expected to outstrip global supply in the near future, it is absolutely vital to ensure the United States has ample access to these resources on which we all rely. That’s why I am happy that the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources took a closer look at legislation to ensure our federal agencies are more coordinated when designating what minerals should go on the Critical Minerals List, which will not only benefit the American economy but also help secure our strategic national security."

Background

H.R. 6395, Recognizing the Importance of Critical Minerals in Healthcare Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah), amends the Energy Act of 2020 to require the Secretary of the Interior to include the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultations regarding designations of critical minerals, elements, substances and materials. This will ensure minerals important in the health care sector are considered for designations regarding critical minerals.

H.R. 8446, introduced by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), amends the Energy Act of 2020 to include critical material in the definition of critical mineral. Both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) compile their lists of critical materials and critical minerals, respectively. This legislation would promote better harmonization between the DOE and USGS lists.

H.R. 8450, Phosphate and Potash Protection Act of 2024, introduced by U.S. Rep Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), directs the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to reevaluate potash and phosphate for designation as critical minerals.