Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two House Committee on Natural Resources bills that cut red tape, increase critical mineral production and develop geothermal energy in the United States. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:

"House Republicans are delivering solutions to the American people. Today, we cut red tape preventing the development of our natural resources, expanded domestic energy production and strengthened national security by promoting the development of American critical minerals. I want to thank my colleagues Rep. Kim and Rep. Ciscomani for their work on these thoughtful pieces of legislation."

Background

H.R. 8446, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024, 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. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) compile their lists of critical materials and minerals independently. This legislation would promote better harmonization between the DOE and USGS lists and promote domestic production of American critical minerals and materials.

H.R. 7409, the Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources (HEAT) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), would expedite the development of geothermal energy projects on non-federal lands that involve minimal federal minerals. It would help ease unnecessary regulatory burdens for geothermal developments on non-federal lands.

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