Ciscomani critical mineral bill clears House

A bill by Southern Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R) to strengthen the United States’ treatment of critical minerals cleared the U.S. House last week with bipartisan support. The legislation aligns two definitions of Critical Materials: one defined by the Department of Energy (DOE), the other defined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The bill seeks to eliminate confusion, provide equal benefits to both lists, and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign adversaries for critical minerals and materials. 

It passed with bipartisan backing in a 245-155 vote.

Aligning two departments’ minerals lists: An example of this confusion is that copper, electrical steel, fluorine, silicon and silicon carbide are all considered critical materials under one department’s definition but not under the other’s.

H.R. 8446, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, adds the DOE’s critical minerals list to the U.S. USGS’ list, making them eligible for the broader energy-related benefits associated with the USGS Critical Minerals list and ensuring both lists receive equal treatment. 

Increase parity, eliminate confusion: “Critical Minerals are essential for our economy, national security, and clean energy technologies,” Ciscomani said. “As demand for these strategic resources continues to increase, the United States must ensure access to a reliable supply. My legislation, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, will ensure parity between U.S. Geological Survey Critical Minerals and Department of Energy materials lists to strengthen our domestic supply chain and include copper, electrical steel, fluorine, silicon, and silicon carbide on the Critical Minerals list, a long overdue classification. I am proud to see my legislation pass out of the House of Representatives and look forward to its consideration in the Senate.” 

Business community backing: The legislation is backed by organizations supporting the efforts of the U.S. to secure its place as a source of critical minerals, including the National Mining Association, Business Council for Sustainable Energy, National Electrical Manufacturing Association, Zero Emission Transportation Association, Transformer Manufacturing Association of America, Copper Development Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Mint Innovation, and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Photo from Reinhard Jahn