Rep. Amodei: Unlock U.S. Mineral Potential

Today, Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) introduced his “National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2015,” which will modernize the current U.S. mining permitting process and allow for access to the trillions of dollars worth of resources we have here at home. National Mining Association’s (NMA) President and CEO, Hal Quinn, applauds the congressman for his efforts:

“Congressman Amodei’s bill, introduced in the House today, will bring the permitting system for U.S. mining into the 21st century so we are prepared to address current and future challenges for the country’s future economic growth and manufacturing revival. While few countries can rival our abundance of mineral resources, even fewer have a permitting system as inefficient as the U.S. Our inefficient and duplicative permitting process discourages investment and jeopardizes the growth of downstream industries, related jobs and technological innovation that all depend on a secure and reliable mineral supply chain.”

Amodei introduced similar legislation in 2012 and 2013, both of which passed in the House. Fortunately, the 2014 midterm elections resulted in a change in the makeup of the U.S. Congress, which could mean a new life for mine permitting reform. A bi-partisan movement toward more efficient permitting policies, both in the House and Senate, could soon become reality. As we continue to raise the profile of important mining issues, it is evident that a strong mineral supply chain is critical to our nation’s manufacturing sector. Hal Quinn continues,

“America’s manufacturing CEOs have recognized that using our country’s minerals responsibly and efficiently is a national priority for strengthening our manufacturing base and the jobs it provides. Competing countries are acting boldly to secure use of these minerals. It is time our government acted accordingly and support responsible development of domestically sourced materials. NMA urges continued bi-partisan support for American minerals and this far-sighted legislation.”

This new bill in the House, coupled with recent legislation introduced by Sen. Murkowski, (R-Alaska) demonstrates there is support in Washington to revitalize the United States’ mineral supply chain and improve the efficiency of the duplicative permitting process. NMA urges continued bi-partisan support for American minerals and this far-sighted legislation.
Learn more about this legislation and tell your lawmakers to support it here.