Support the Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2012 (H.R. 4402)

A few weeks ago, Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) introduced H.R. 4402, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2012, which will allow the United States to more efficiently develop our nation’s strategic and critical minerals that are vital to job creation, American economic competitiveness and national security. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process to leverage our nation’s vast mineral resources, while also paying due respect to economic and environmental concerns.

Tomorrow, the House Committee on Natural Resources will vote on Rep. Amodei’s bill. This is a real step toward solving the massive permitting delays that have put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage versus the rest of the world. The current minerals mining permitting process in the U.S. takes as long as it does in Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, countries like Australia and Canada have implemented efficient and well-reasoned processes that are driving investment in those nations over the U.S.

The simple reality is that inaction on permitting delays in the U.S. is hurting job creation, economic growth and our long-term security. Rep. Amodei’s legislation will help to solve the problem while still ensuring that every new project is properly reviewed.

Tomorrow’s vote moves America one step closer toward realizing its minerals mining potential and lowering our dangerous reliance on foreign minerals sources. It’s critical that you ask your member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 4402 to allow us to use our own American natural resources.