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Senate Energy Committee adopts Lee–Heinrich substitute and advances Critical Mineral Consistency Act

3163740 · May 1, 2025

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Summary

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted a Lee–Heinrich substitute and title amendment to S.714, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, and voted to send the measure to the Senate floor. Sponsors said the bill will harmonize lists of critical minerals maintained by Interior and Energy under the Energy Act of 2020.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on April 25 adopted a Lee–Heinrich substitute amendment and an accompanying title amendment to S.714, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, and voted to report the bill to the Senate floor.

Chairman Lee told the committee the measure “is intended to solve the problem” that the lists maintained by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy since passage of the Energy Act of 2020 have produced “unintended consequences because of the fact that they're not consistent.” Senator Martin Heinrich said he supported the substitute and would vote for the bill “as amended.”

The substitute amendment was approved by voice vote; the title amendment was subsequently adopted by voice vote as well. After those actions, the committee voted on the bill as amended; the chair stated, “The ayes have it and the measure will be submitted to the Senate floor.”

Committee members and staff said the substitute clarifies definitions and the process for maintaining a governmentwide critical minerals list so that the two agency lists are harmonized. Chairman Lee said the substitute “provides clearer and more specific language” and aligns the measure with companion House legislation that has bipartisan support.

Supporters argued harmonization will reduce regulatory confusion and the risk of conflicting agency actions; opponents did not speak at length during the roll call on the amendment. Senator Heinrich thanked Chairman Lee for addressing his concerns and said his support for the amendment reflected that bipartisan drafting work.

The committee’s action advances S.714 to the Senate calendar for floor consideration. The committee record shows the substitute was circulated to members and offices on April 25 and that the committee proceeded to vote after discussing the amendment.

The committee will transmit the reported bill to the Senate floor where further amendment or consideration may occur.