Early Action Signals Progress; U.S. Mineral Independence Still Hangs in the Balance

Early actions in Congress are essential to strengthening U.S. national security, bolstering domestic mineral production

2025 presents America with new challenges and opportunities. Adversaries like China continue to pose a risk to our national security, and the USGS Mineral Commodities Summaries 2025 report highlights the continued importance of mineral production and independence. Despite these challenges, Congress, alongside the private sector, is making progress towards domestic minerals access and security.

Despite passage in the House and by the relevant Senate Committee, the 118^th Congress failed to get the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024 across the finish line. This session, on February 12, 2025, Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025 which is once again aimed at supporting domestic minerals production and mitigating the dangers of America’s import reliance for minerals. In the House of Representatives, Nevada Congressmen Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Steven Horsford (D-NV)’s leadership underscores Capitol Hill’s bipartisan commitment to U.S. mineral independence.

This essential legislation will address an issue resulting from the improper 2022 Center for Biological Diversity et al. v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service et al. court decision. This flawed decision reversed more than 150 years of legal precedent and mining practice, making it extremely difficult to operate mines efficiently and responsibly in the U.S. Importantly, nothing in the legislation permits, allows or expands any type of mining activity on protected or conserved lands, including previously withdrawn lands or lands in our national parks. Nor does it allow or incentivize the blocking of access or use of lands for other multiple-use activities.

“The bipartisan Mining Regulatory Clarity Act is key to ensuring the U.S. can use our vast resources to build the essential mineral supply chains we know we must have. This legislation ensures the fundamental ability to conduct responsible mining activities on federal lands.” – Rich Nolan

The 119^th Congress presents a unique opportunity for the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act to support U.S. mineral independence. The early introduction of the legislation in both the House and Senate provides a clear pathway toward boosting domestic minerals production. Now is the time for Congress to send this essential legislation to the President’s desk.