Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2965

Introduced
9/28/23  

Caption

A bill to establish a critical mineral environmental processing and mining cleanup program, and for other purposes.

Impact

The bill could significantly influence state laws by introducing a regulated framework for the extraction and processing of critical minerals. It authorizes a budget of $10 million per year from 2024 to 2029 to support these initiatives. Eligible entities can apply for grants to cover costs related to environmental assessments, processing, and mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with existing environmental regulations. This shift reflects a federal recognition of the strategic importance of resource independence in today's economy, aligning with the goals of energy security and domestic manufacturing advancements.

Summary

SB2965 aims to establish a Critical Mineral Environmental Processing and Mining Cleanup Program. This bill proposes a structured approach to grant funding for mining and processing operations focused on essential minerals identified as critical for the United States. The program is designed to foster domestic manufacturing and reduce the reliance on mineral imports while emphasizing sustainability and environmental care during mining operations.

Contention

Notable discussions surrounding SB2965 may center on the balance between resource extraction and environmental sustainability. Concerns from advocacy groups about potential degradation of ecosystems and the health risks associated with mining activities may arise. Proponents argue that the bill includes strong labor protections and dedicates resources to environmental cleanup, while opponents might criticize it for possibly prioritizing economic benefits over environmental safeguards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB2550

Critical Minerals Partnership Act of 2025

US HB9898

Securing America’s Midstream Critical Materials Processing of 2024

US HB10378

To establish the Critical Mineral Reserve of the United States, and for other purposes.

US SB823

Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act

US SB4712

Global Strategy for Securing Critical Minerals Act of 2024

US SB5625

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize the Clean School Bus program, and for other purposes.

US HB209

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.

US SB5498

A bill to establish a grant program for certain State and local forensic activities, and for other purposes.

US SB789

Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025This bill establishes requirements for the Department of the Interior related to securing U.S. access to critical minerals and rare earth element (REE) resources. Critical minerals mean any mineral, element, substance, or material designated as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey. REEs mean cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, promethium, samarium, scandium, terbium, thulium, ytterbium, and yttrium. First, Interior must report on the critical mineral and REE resources, including recyclable or recycled materials containing those resources, around the world. Among other information, the report must include an assessment of the global ownership and supply of critical mineral and REE resources. Interior must submit the report within a year and every two years thereafter.Next, Interior must establish a process to assist a U.S. person—a U.S. citizen, a non-U.S. National (alien under federal law) lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an entity organized under U.S. laws—seeking to divest stock in mining, processing, or recycling operations for critical minerals and REEs in a foreign country with finding a purchaser that is not under the control of North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran.Finally, Interior must develop (1) a strategy to collaborate with U.S. allies and partners to develop advanced mining, refining, separation, processing, and recycling technologies; and (2) a method for sharing related intellectual property with U.S. allies and partners to enable those countries to license those technologies and develop their resources.

US SB5569

A bill to establish a State rail formula grant program, to direct Federal Railroad Administration to create a Green Railroads Fund, to expand passenger rail programs, to address air quality concerns, to establish rail workforce training centers, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

CA SB493

District agricultural associations: secretary-managers: compensation.

LA HB528

Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)

MO HB2798

Modifies the "Missouri Family Trust Company Act"

CA AB1044

Elections: Secretary of State.

AR SB63

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Reports By The Secretaries Of Cabinet-level Departments On The State Of Their Departments.

CA AB1206

Voter registration database: Electronic Registration Information Center.

CA SB297

Elections: initiatives and referenda: withdrawal.

CA AB2050

Voter registration database: Electronic Registration Information Center