Accessing America’s Critical Minerals Act of 2021
- Last Action
- 6/9/2021
Actions
- 2021-06-09Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 2021-04-15Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2021-04-15Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2021-04-15Introduced in House
- 2021-04-15Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2021-04-15 (00)
Accessing America's Critical Minerals Act of 2021
This bill establishes deadlines to complete the environmental review of critical mineral projects on federal land and sets forth related requirements to expedite the review of such projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
If an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is required for such project, then all necessary federal review and permit considerations must be completed within 18 or 24 months, respectively. However, the review may exceed the time limit if the project sponsor agrees.
The lead agency of the environmental review of such project must allow a state or local government, an Indian tribe, a project sponsor, or another appropriate entity to assume certain federal responsibilities regarding the environmental review of the project upon the request of such entity.
Further, the bill authorizes a lead agency to determine that the requirements of NEPA have been satisfied if a state or federal agency acting under state or federal law has addressed specified factors, such as the environmental impact of the action to be conducted under the permit. If the lead agency does not make such a determination, then the agency must enter into an agreement with the project sponsor to set time limits for each part of the permitting process.
Cosponsors (20)
- Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
- Bruce Westerman (R-AR)
- Kat Cammack (R-FL)
- Claudia Tenney (R-NY)
- Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)
- David McKinley (R-WV)
- Glenn Grothman (R-WI)
- Tom Emmer (R-MN)
- Mary Miller (R-IL)
- Matthew Rosendale (R-MT)
- Chris Stewart (R-UT)
- James Baird (R-IN)
- Thomas Tiffany (R-WI)
- Bob Good (R-VA)
- Kelly Armstrong (R-ND)
- Yvette Herrell (R-NM)
- Paul Gosar (R-AZ)
- Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)
- MICHAEL SIMPSON (R-ID)
- Blake Moore (R-UT)
Subjects
- Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
- Government information and archives
- Government studies and investigations
- Intergovernmental relations
- Land use and conservation
- Licensing and registrations
- Mining
- State and local government operations
- Strategic materials and reserves
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.