To include phosphate and potash on the final list of critical minerals of the Department of the Interior.
Impact
The bill mandates that within 90 days of its enactment, the Secretary of the Interior evaluates the current policies concerning the permitting and leasing of projects that would develop phosphate and potash resources. This evaluation aims to create recommendations to enhance domestic production, which could significantly impact local economies that are rich in these minerals, potentially promoting job growth and economic stability in those areas.
Summary
House Bill 4059 aims to include phosphate and potash in the final list of critical minerals as recognized by the Department of the Interior. By designating these minerals as critical, the bill seeks to bolster domestic production and use of these key resources. This inclusion is particularly relevant given the increasing global competition for mineral resources, and it signals a national prioritization of securing supply chains for essential materials used in various industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.
Contention
While the bill may appear beneficial for domestic production and economic development, it could raise concerns among environmental advocacy groups regarding mining practices. Critics might argue that an increase in mining for phosphate and potash could lead to environmental degradation or mismanagement of natural resources. Legislators may also debate the balance between mineral production and the safeguarding of ecological integrity, reflecting broader tensions in resource management policy.
Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023 This bill expedites the review of mining projects on federal lands and limits judicial review of mining projects. For example, the bill expands the federal permitting and review processes under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for critical minerals. Under the act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, to the maximum extent practicable, must complete the federal permitting and review processes related to critical mineral mines on federal lands with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This bill expands this process to include all minerals as defined by the bill, not only critical minerals. The bill also establishes deadlines for completing the review of mining projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, the bill also expands the meaning of covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to include (1) certain mineral production projects, and (2) certain actions taken by the Department of Defense. Such projects qualify for expedited environmental review. It also establishes requirements to expedite the review or authorization of certain mineral projects, such as (1) mineral exploration activities with a surface disturbance of no more than five acres of public lands, (2) ancillary mining activities, and (3) uranium projects. Finally, the bill limits judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by a lead agency for a mining project by requiring the filing of claims within a certain time period.