Mining industry warns permitting delays threaten critical‑mineral supply chains and backs NEPA reforms
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Summary
Mining trade groups told lawmakers long permitting timelines for U.S. mines jeopardize competitiveness and national security; the National Mining Association endorsed Speed Act changes and separate mining clarifying bills.
Mining industry leaders told the House hearing that U.S. permitting timelines are among the longest in the world and are jeopardizing the country’s ability to secure supplies of minerals needed for clean energy, defense and advanced manufacturing. Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, said a recent S&P Global study showed it takes an average of 29 years to bring a mine online in the United States — longer than most other mining jurisdictions — and that supply chain delays threaten domestic economic and national security goals. “We have been standing in our own way,” Nolan said. He urged the committee to adopt H.R. 4776 (the Speed Act) and H.R. 1366 (the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act), which he said would reduce duplicative reviews, limit speculative claims during NEPA review and give companies more regulatory certainty. Nolan and other industry witnesses argued that building mines, processing and refining capacity domestically would ensure higher environmental and labor standards than relying on foreign suppliers. The testimony cited broad demand forecasts for minerals tied to electric vehicles, batteries and semiconductor manufacturing; an International Energy Agency estimate referenced in testimony said hundreds of new mines will be needed globally to meet clean‑energy goals. Witnesses acknowledged the need for strong environmental safeguards and social license. Some committee members and witnesses pressed for robust tribal consultation and for reforms to reduce the time between initial project application and substantive environmental review. Opponents and legal experts reiterated concerns that statutory changes could reduce public participation, curtail consideration of cumulative impacts and make it harder for affected communities to seek judicial relief if agencies fail to take required hard looks at environmental data. Industry supporters framed permitting reform as compatible with environmental and community protections if it is coupled with clearer standards and predictable, timely review. Committee members said they would continue bipartisan negotiations to try to reconcile competing priorities: faster project delivery and maintaining meaningful environmental and tribal review.
