Bill > HR5929

This bill aims to improve the federal permitting process for critical minerals projects by establishing special treatment for actions taken under Presidential Determination 2022-11 related to the Defense Production Act. Specifically, the bill requires that certain actions by the Secretary of Defense to support domestic production of strategic and critical materials will be automatically treated as "covered projects" for permitting purposes, which means they will be included in the Permitting Dashboard and receive expedited review. These actions can include supporting feasibility studies for mining projects, promoting by-product and co-product production at existing facilities, modernizing mining and processing operations to improve productivity and safety, and other activities authorized under the Defense Production Act. The bill provides an exception allowing project sponsors to opt out of this special treatment if they choose. The goal is to enhance the United States' ability to develop domestic capabilities for producing critical minerals, which are essential for various high-technology and defense applications, by streamlining the regulatory process for relevant projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5929/all-info