,,ii #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #afjj ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,october #bi1 #bjac,ms4 ,murkowski 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,wyden1 ,mr4 ,udall of ,colorado1 ,mr4 ,heller1 ,mr4 ,enzi1 ,mrs4 ,hagan1 ,mr4 ,thune1 ,mr4 ,coons1 ,mr4 ,hoeven1 ,ms4 ,landrieu1 ,mr4 ,coats1 ,mr4 ,begich1 ,mr4 ,risch1 ,ms4 ,klobuchar1 ,mr4 ,blunt1 ,mr4 ,franken1 and ,mr4 ,crapo7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources ,a ,,bill ,to facilitate the reestablishment of domestic1 critical mineral designation1 assessment1 production1 manufacturing1 recycling1 analysis1 forecasting1 workforce1 education1 research1 and international capabilities in the ,united ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,critical ,minerals ,policy ,act of #bjac4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,designations and policies,sec4 #aja4 ,designations4,sec4 #ajb4 ,policy4,sec4 #ajc4 ,resource assessment4,sec4 #ajd4 ,study4,sec4 #aje4 ,agency review and reports4,sec4 #ajf4 ,recycling1 efficiency1 and supply4,sec4 #ajg4 ,alternatives4,sec4 #ajh4 ,analysis and forecasting4,sec4 #aji4 ,education and workforce4,sec4 #aaj4 ,international cooperation4,,title ,,ii--,mineral-specific actions,sec4 #bja4 ,administration4,sec4 #bjb4 ,cobalt4,sec4 #bjc4 ,lead4,sec4 #bjd4 ,lithium4,sec4 #bje4 ,thorium4,sec4 #bjf4 ,nontraditional sources for rare earth elements4,,title ,,iii--,miscellaneous,sec4 #cja4 ,repeal2 authorization offset4,sec4 #cjb4 ,administration4,sec4 #cjc4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,critical mineral 7,a7 ,in general ,the term critical mineral means any mineral or element designated as critical pursuant to section #aja4 7,b7 ,exclusions ,the term critical mineral does not include-- 7i7 fuel minerals1 including oil1 natural gas1 or any other fossil fuels2 or 7ii7 water1 ice1 or snow4 7#b7 ,critical mineral manufacturing ,the term critical mineral manufacturing means-- 7,a7 the production1 processing1 refining1 alloying1 separation1 concentration1 magnetic sintering1 melting1 or beneficiation of critical minerals within the ,united ,states2 7,b7 the fabrication1 assembly1 or production1 within the ,united ,states1 of equipment1 components1 or other goods with energy technology-1 defense-1 agriculture-1 consumer electronics-1 or health care-related applications2 or 7,c7 any other value-added1 manufacturing-related use of critical minerals undertaken within the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b74 7#d7 ,military equipment ,the term military equipment means equipment used directly by the ,armed ,forces to carry out military operations4 7#e7 ,rare earth element 7,a7 ,in general ,the term rare earth element means the chemical elements in the periodic table from lanthanum 7atomic number #eg7 up to and including lutetium 7atomic number #ga74 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term rare earth element includes the similar chemical elements yttrium 7atomic number #ci7 and scandium 7atomic number #ba74 7#f7 ,secretary 7,a7 ,title ,i ,in title ,i1 the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7,b7 ,title ,,ii ,in title ,,ii1 the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,energy4 7#g7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 7,d7 ,guam2 7,e7 ,american ,samoa2 7,f7 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands2 and 7,g7 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 ,i ,designations and policies #aja4 ,designations 7a7 ,draft methodology ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register for public comment a draft methodology for determining which minerals qualify as critical minerals based on an assessment of whether the minerals are-- 7#a7 subject to potential supply restrictions 7including restrictions associated with foreign political risk1 abrupt demand growth1 military conflict1 and anti-competitive or protectionist behaviors72 and 7#b7 important in use 7including energy technology-1 defense-1 agriculture-1 consumer electronics-1 and health care-related applications74 7b7 ,availability of data ,if available data is insufficient to provide a quantitative basis for the methodology developed under this section1 qualitative evidence may be used to the extent necessary4 7c7 ,final methodology ,after reviewing public comments on the draft methodology under subsection 7a7 and updating the draft methodology as appropriate1 not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register a description of the final methodology for determining which minerals qualify as critical minerals4 7d7 ,designations 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of carrying out this title1 the ,secretary shall maintain a list of minerals and elements designated as critical1 pursuant to the methodology under subsection 7c71 which shall not exceed #bj minerals and elements at any given time4 7#b7 ,initial list ,subject to paragraph 7#a71 not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register an initial list of minerals designated as critical pursuant to the final methodology under subsection 7c7 for the purpose of carrying out this title4 7e7 ,subsequent review 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall review the methodology and designations under subsections 7c7 and 7d7 at least every #e years1 or more frequently if considered appropriate by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,revisions ,subject to subsection 7d77#a71 the ,secretary may-- 7,a7 revise the methodology described in this section2 7,b7 determine that minerals previously determined to be critical minerals are no longer critical minerals2 and 7,c7 designate additional minerals as critical minerals4 7f7 ,notice ,on finalization of the methodology under subsection 7c71 the list under subsection 7d71 or any revision to the methodology or list under subsection 7e71 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress written notice of the action4 #ajb4 ,policy 7a7 ,in general ,section #c of the ,national ,materials and ,minerals ,policy1 ,research and ,development ,act of #aihj 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb7 is amended in the second sentence-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#c7 establish an analytical and forecasting capability for identifying critical mineral demand1 supply1 and other market dynamics relevant to policy formulation to allow informed actions to be taken to avoid supply shortages1 mitigate price volatility1 and prepare for demand growth and other market shifts2 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking and after the semicolon at the end2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#g71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 encourage ,federal agencies to facilitate the availability1 development1 and environmentally responsible production of domestic resources to meet national critical material or mineral needs2 7#i7 avoid duplication of effort1 prevent unnecessary paperwork1 and minimize unnecessary delays in the administration of applicable laws 7including regulations7 and the issuance of permits and authorizations necessary to explore for1 develop1 and produce critical minerals and to construct critical mineral manufacturing facilities in accordance with applicable environmental and land management laws2 7#aj7 strengthen educational and research capabilities and workforce training2 7#aa7 bolster international cooperation through technology transfer1 information sharing1 and other means2 7#ab7 promote the efficient production1 use1 and recycling of critical minerals2 7#ac7 develop alternatives to critical minerals2 and 7#ad7 establish contingencies for the production of1 or access to1 critical minerals for which viable sources do not exist within the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #b7;b7 of the ,national ,materials and ,minerals ,policy1 ,research and ,development ,act of #aihj 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #afja7;b77 is amended by striking 7b7 ,as used in this ,act1 the term and inserting the following3 7b7 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,critical mineral ,the term critical mineral means any mineral designated as a critical mineral pursuant to section #aja of the ,critical ,minerals ,policy ,act of #bjac4 7#b7 ,materials ,the term 4 #ajc4 ,resource assessment 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 in consultation with applicable ,state 7including geological surveys71 local1 academic1 industry1 and other entities1 the ,secretary shall complete1 using established resource assessment methodologies and authorities of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey1 a comprehensive national assessment of each critical mineral that-- 7#a7 identifies and quantifies known critical mineral resources1 using all available public and private information and datasets1 including exploration histories2 7#b7 estimates the cost of production of the critical mineral resources identified and quantified under this section1 using all available public and private information and datasets1 including exploration histories2 7#c7 provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of undiscovered critical mineral resources throughout the ,united ,states on land available for mineral production1 including probability estimates of tonnage and grade1 using all available public and private information and datasets1 including exploration histories2 and 7#d7 provides qualitative information on the environmental attributes of the critical mineral resources identified under this section4 7b7 ,supplementary information ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary 7acting through the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey7 may carry out1 consistent with applicable law1 surveys necessary or appropriate to supplement existing information and datasets available for determining the existence of critical minerals in the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,technical assistance ,at the request of the ,governor of a ,state or the head of an ,indian tribe1 the ,secretary may provide technical assistance to ,state governments and ,indian tribes conducting critical mineral resource assessments on non-,federal land4 7d7 ,prioritization 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may sequence the completion of resource assessments for each critical mineral such that critical minerals considered to be most critical under the methodology established under section #aja are completed first4 7#b7 ,reporting ,during the period beginning not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and ending on date of the completion of all of the assessments required under this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress on an annual basis an interim report that-- 7,a7 identifies the sequence and schedule for completion of the assessments if the ,secretary sequences the assessments2 or 7,b7 describes the progress of the assessments if the ,secretary does not sequence the assessments4 7e7 ,updates ,the ,secretary may periodically update the assessment conducted under this section based on-- 7#a7 the generation of new information or datasets by the ,federal ,government2 or 7#b7 the receipt of new information or datasets from critical mineral producers1 ,state geological surveys1 academic institutions1 trade associations1 or other entities or individuals4 #ajd4 ,study ,the ,secretary shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academy of ,sciences 7referred to in this section as the ,academy7 under which the ,academy shall provide an update of the #aiii report of the ,academy entitled ,hardrock ,mining on ,federal ,lands1 prepared pursuant to section #abj of the ,department of the ,interior and ,related ,agencies ,appropriations ,act1 #aiii 7,public ,law #aje-bgg2 #aab ,stat4 #bfha-beg71 including an examination of-- 7#a7 regulatory changes implemented since #aiii and the extent to which the changes address recommendations made in the report2 7#b7 additional steps that can be taken-- 7,a7 to improve the quality and timeliness of final decisions on applications1 operating plans1 leases1 licenses1 permits1 and other use authorizations for hardrock mining activities on ,federal land2 7,b7 to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of ,federal land2 and 7,c7 to improve inspection and enforcement of hardrock mine and related sites on ,federal land2 and 7#c7 the number and location of abandoned hardrock mines4 #aje4 ,agency review and reports 7a7 ,performance improvements ,to improve the quality and timeliness of decisions1 the ,secretary 7acting through the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management7 and the ,secretary of ,agriculture 7acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service7 7referred to in this section as the ,secretaries7 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 with respect to critical mineral production on ,federal land-- 7#a7 ensure that ,federal permitting and review processes inform decisionmakers and affected communities about the potential positive and negative impacts of proposed mining activities2 7#b7 ensure that mining activities are carried out in a manner that is consistent with protecting the public health1 welfare1 safety1 national security1 and environment of the ,united ,states2 and 7#c7 execute ,federal permitting and review processes1 consistent with available resources1 with maximum efficiency and effectiveness1 while ensuring the health1 safety1 and security of communities and the environment and supporting vital economic growth1 by-- 7,a7 setting and adhering to timelines and schedules for completion of reviews and for inspection and enforcement activities2 7,b7 setting clear permitting performance goals and tracking progress against those goals2 7,c7 encouraging early collaboration among agencies1 project sponsors1 and affected stakeholders to incorporate and address their interests and minimize delays2 7,d7 providing for transparency and accountability by using cost-effective information technology to collect and disseminate information about individual projects and agency performance2 7,e7 achieving early and active consultation with ,state1 local1 and tribal governments to avoid conflicts or duplication of effort1 resolve concerns1 and allow for concurrent rather than sequential reviews2 7,f7 providing demonstrable improvements in the performance of ,federal permitting and review processes1 including lower costs1 more timely decisions1 and a healthier and cleaner environment2 7,g7 expanding and institutionalizing permitting and review process improvements that have proven effective2 7,h7 developing mechanisms to better communicate priorities and resolve disputes among agencies at the national and regional levels2 and 7,i7 developing other practices1 such as pre-application procedures4 7b7 ,review and report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of receipt of the report of the study under section #ajd1 the ,secretaries shall submit to ,congress a report that-- 7#a7 describes the recommendations from the study under section #ajd that the ,secretaries have existing legal authority for and intend to implement1 including estimated timelines for the implementation2 7#b7 identifies additional measures 7including regulatory and legislative proposals1 as appropriate7 that would-- 7,a7 increase the effectiveness and operational efficiency of agency management of permitting activities for the exploration and development of domestic critical minerals2 and 7,b7 improve the effectiveness of environmental analysis and inspection and enforcement activities relating to critical mineral-related activities on ,federal land2 7#c7 identifies options 7including cost recovery paid by applicants7 for ensuring adequate staffing 7including training programs7 of ,federal entities responsible for-- 7,a7 the consideration of applications1 operating plans1 leases1 licenses1 permits1 and other use authorizations for critical mineral-related activities on ,federal land2 and 7,b7 environmental analysis and inspection and enforcement activities with respect to the critical mineral-related activities2 7#d7 in coordination with the heads of other appropriate ,federal agencies1 assesses whether ,federal laws 7including regulations and tax provisions7 or policies are adversely affecting or are enhancing the global competitiveness of1 or investment in1 the domestic critical minerals industry1 including the critical minerals manufacturing industry2 7#e7 quantifies the amount of time typically required to complete each step associated with the development and processing of applications1 operating plans1 leases1 licenses1 permits1 and other use authorizations for critical mineral-related activities on ,federal land2 and 7#f7 describes actions taken pursuant to subsection 7a74 7c7 ,annual reports ,beginning with the first budget submission by the ,president under section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 after submission to ,congress of the report under subsection 7b71 and for the next #aj annual budget submissions thereafter1 the ,secretaries shall submit to ,congress a report on-- 7#a7 the implementation of recommendations1 measures1 and options identified in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 of subsection 7b72 7#b7 achievement of1 or progress towards1 the target levels of performance developed under subsection 7d72 7#c7 actions taken under subsection 7a72 and 7#d7 the quantity1 type1 and estimated value 7by mineral type7 of-- 7,a7 critical minerals produced on ,federal land2 and 7,b7 all hardrock minerals produced on ,federal land4 7d7 ,metrics of agency performance 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the submission of the report under subsection 7b71 the ,secretaries1 after public notice and comment1 shall develop and publish target levels of performance for agency management of activities associated with the exploration for and development of domestic critical minerals in accordance with applicable laws1 against which actual achievement or progress can be compared1 in-- 7,a7 the timeliness of decisions1 taking into consideration the evaluation described in subsection 7b77#e72 7,b7 cost savings2 and 7,c7 improved health and environmental performance4 7#b7 ,incorporation in annual performance plans ,the ,secretaries shall use the target levels of performance under paragraph 7#a7 as performance goals in the appropriate agency performance plans under section #aaae of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code4 7e7 ,judicial review 7#a7 ,in general ,nothing in this section affects the judicial review of an agency action under any provision of law4 7#b7 ,construction ,this section-- 7,a7 is intended to improve the internal management of the ,federal ,government2 and 7,b7 does not create any right or benefit1 substantive or procedural1 enforceable at law or equity by a party against the ,united ,states 7including an agency1 instrumentality1 officer1 or employee7 or any other person4 7f7 ,administration ,nothing in this section relieves the ,secretary of the ,interior or the ,secretary of ,agriculture of any obligation or duty under any other applicable law 7including regulations74 #ajf4 ,recycling1 efficiency1 and supply 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall conduct a program of research and development to promote the efficient production1 use1 and recycling of critical minerals throughout the supply chain4 7b7 ,cooperation ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall cooperate with appropriate-- 7#a7 ,federal agencies and ,national ,laboratories2 7#b7 critical mineral producers2 7#c7 critical mineral processors2 7#d7 critical mineral manufacturers2 7#e7 trade associations2 7#f7 academic institutions2 7#g7 small businesses2 and 7#h7 other relevant entities or individuals4 7c7 ,activities ,under the program1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall carry out activities that include the identification and development of-- 7#a7 advanced critical mineral extraction1 production1 separation1 alloying1 or processing technologies that decrease the energy consumption1 environmental impact1 and costs of those activities1 including-- 7,a7 efficient water and wastewater management strategies2 7,b7 technologies and management strategies to control the environmental impacts of radionuclides in ore tailings2 and 7,c7 technologies for separation and processing2 7#b7 technologies or process improvements that minimize the use1 or lead to more efficient use1 of critical minerals across the full supply chain2 7#c7 technologies1 process improvements1 or design optimizations that facilitate the recycling of critical minerals1 and options for improving the rates of collection of products and scrap containing critical minerals from post-consumer1 industrial1 or other waste streams2 7#d7 commercial markets1 advanced storage methods1 energy applications1 and other beneficial uses of critical minerals processing byproducts2 and 7#e7 alternative minerals1 metals1 and materials1 particularly those available in abundance within the ,united ,states and not subject to potential supply restrictions1 that lessen the need for critical minerals4 7d7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall submit to ,congress a report summarizing the activities1 findings1 and progress of the program4 #ajg4 ,alternatives 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall conduct a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application to promote the development of alternatives to critical minerals4 7b7 ,cooperation ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall cooperate with appropriate-- 7#a7 ,federal agencies 7including ,national ,laboratories72 7#b7 critical mineral producers2 7#c7 critical mineral manufacturers2 7#d7 trade associations2 7#e7 academic institutions2 7#f7 small businesses2 and 7#g7 other relevant entities or individuals4 7c7 ,activities ,to lessen the need for critical minerals1 the program under this section shall carry out activities that include the identification and development of-- 7#a7 alternative minerals1 metals1 and minerals used in energy technologies1 particularly those that are available in abundance in the ,united ,states and are not subject to potential supply restrictions2 and 7#b7 alternative energy technologies or alternative designs of existing energy technologies1 particularly those that use minerals in abundance in the ,united ,states and are not subject to potential supply restrictions4 7d7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall submit to ,congress a report summarizing the activities1 findings1 and progress of the program under this section4 #ajh4 ,analysis and forecasting 7a7 ,capabilities ,in order to evaluate existing critical mineral policies and inform future actions that may be taken to avoid supply shortages1 mitigate price volatility1 and prepare for demand growth and other market shifts1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with academic institutions1 the ,energy ,information ,administration1 and others in order to maximize the application of existing competencies related to developing and maintaining computer-models and similar analytical tools1 shall conduct and publish the results of an annual report that includes-- 7#a7 as part of the annually published ,mineral ,commodity ,summaries from the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey1 a comprehensive review of critical mineral production1 consumption1 and recycling patterns1 including-- 7,a7 the quantity of each critical mineral domestically produced during the preceding year2 7,b7 the quantity of each critical mineral domestically consumed during the preceding year2 7,c7 market price data for each critical mineral2 7,d7 an assessment of-- 7i7 critical mineral requirements to meet the national security1 energy1 economic1 industrial1 technological1 and other needs of the ,united ,states during the preceding year2 7ii7 the reliance of the ,united ,states on foreign sources to meet those needs during the preceding year2 and 7iii7 the implications of any supply shortages1 restrictions1 or disruptions during the preceding year2 7,e7 the quantity of each critical mineral domestically recycled during the preceding year2 7,f7 the market penetration during the preceding year of alternatives to each critical mineral2 7,g7 a discussion of applicable international trends associated with the discovery1 production1 consumption1 use1 costs of production1 prices1 and recycling of each critical mineral as well as the development of alternatives to critical minerals2 and 7,h7 such other data1 analyses1 and evaluations as the ,secretary finds are necessary to achieve the purposes of this section2 and 7#b7 a comprehensive forecast1 entitled the ,annual ,critical ,minerals ,outlook1 of projected critical mineral production1 consumption1 and recycling patterns1 including-- 7,a7 the quantity of each critical mineral projected to be domestically produced over the subsequent #a-year1 #e-year1 and #aj-year periods2 7,b7 the quantity of each critical mineral projected to be domestically consumed over the subsequent #a-year1 #e-year1 and #aj-year periods2 7,c7 market price projections for each critical mineral1 to the maximum extent practicable and based on the best available information2 7,d7 an assessment of-- 7i7 critical mineral requirements to meet projected national security1 energy1 economic1 industrial1 technological1 and other needs of the ,united ,states2 7ii7 the projected reliance of the ,united ,states on foreign sources to meet those needs2 and 7iii7 the projected implications of potential supply shortages1 restrictions1 or disruptions2 7,e7 the quantity of each critical mineral projected to be domestically recycled over the subsequent #a-year1 #e-year1 and #aj-year periods2 7,f7 the market penetration of alternatives to each critical mineral projected to take place over the subsequent #a-year1 #e-year1 and #aj-year periods2 7,g7 a discussion of reasonably foreseeable international trends associated with the discovery1 production1 consumption1 use1 costs of production1 prices1 and recycling of each critical mineral as well as the development of alternatives to critical minerals2 and 7,h7 such other projections relating to each critical mineral as the ,secretary determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of this section4 7b7 ,proprietary information ,in preparing a report described in subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall ensure1 consistent with section #e7;f7 of the ,national ,materials and ,minerals ,policy1 ,research and ,development ,act of #aihj 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #afjd7;f771 that-- 7#a7 no person uses the information and data collected for the report for a purpose other than the development of or reporting of aggregate data in a manner such that the identity of the person who supplied the information is not discernible and is not material to the intended uses of the information2 7#b7 no person discloses any information or data collected for the report unless the information or data has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow the identification of the person who supplied particular information2 and 7#c7 procedures are established to require the withholding of any information or data collected for the report if the ,secretary determines that withholding is necessary to protect proprietary information1 including any trade secrets or other confidential information4 #aji4 ,education and workforce 7a7 ,workforce assessment ,not later than #a year and #cjj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,labor 7in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation1 and employers in the critical minerals sector7 shall submit to ,congress an assessment of the domestic availability of technically trained personnel necessary for critical mineral assessment1 production1 manufacturing1 recycling1 analysis1 forecasting1 education1 and research1 including an analysis of-- 7#a7 skills that are in the shortest supply as of the date of the assessment2 7#b7 skills that are projected to be in short supply in the future2 7#c7 the demographics of the critical minerals industry and how the demographics will evolve under the influence of factors such as an aging workforce2 7#d7 the effectiveness of training and education programs in addressing skills shortages2 7#e7 opportunities to hire locally for new and existing critical mineral activities2 7#f7 the sufficiency of personnel within relevant areas of the ,federal ,government for achieving the policies described in section #c of the ,national ,materials and ,minerals ,policy1 ,research and ,development ,act of #aihj 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb72 and 7#g7 the potential need for new training programs to have a measurable effect on the supply of trained workers in the critical minerals industry4 7b7 ,curriculum study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,labor shall jointly enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academy of ,sciences and the ,national ,academy of ,engineering under which the ,academies shall coordinate with the ,national ,science ,foundation on conducting a study-- 7,a7 to design an interdisciplinary program on critical minerals that will support the critical mineral supply chain and improve the ability of the ,united ,states to increase domestic1 critical mineral exploration1 development1 and manufacturing2 7,b7 to address undergraduate and graduate education1 especially to assist in the development of graduate level programs of research and instruction that lead to advanced degrees with an emphasis on the critical mineral supply chain or other positions that will increase domestic1 critical mineral exploration1 development1 and manufacturing2 7,c7 to develop guidelines for proposals from institutions of higher education with substantial capabilities in the required disciplines to improve the critical mineral supply chain and advance the capacity of the ,united ,states to increase domestic1 critical mineral exploration1 development1 and manufacturing2 and 7,d7 to outline criteria for evaluating performance and recommendations for the amount of funding that will be necessary to establish and carry out the grant program described in subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a description of the results of the study required under paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,grant program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary and the ,national ,science ,foundation shall jointly conduct a competitive grant program under which institutions of higher education may apply for and receive #d-year grants for-- 7,a7 startup costs for newly designated faculty positions in integrated critical mineral education1 research1 innovation1 training1 and workforce development programs consistent with subsection 7b72 7,b7 internships1 scholarships1 and fellowships for students enrolled in programs related to critical minerals2 and 7,c7 equipment necessary for integrated critical mineral innovation1 training1 and workforce development programs4 7#b7 ,renewal ,a grant under this subsection shall be renewable for up to #b additional #c-year terms based on performance criteria outlined under subsection 7b77#a77;,d74 #aaj4 ,international cooperation 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,energy1 shall carry out a program to promote international cooperation on critical mineral supply chain issues with allies of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,activities ,under the program1 the ,secretary of ,state may work with allies of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to increase the global1 responsible production of critical minerals1 if a determination is made by the ,secretary of ,state that there is no viable production capacity for the critical minerals within the ,united ,states2 7#b7 to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of extraction techniques2 7#c7 to increase the recycling of1 and deployment of alternatives to1 critical minerals2 7#d7 to assist in the development and transfer of critical mineral extraction1 processing1 and manufacturing technologies that would have a beneficial impact on world commodity markets and the environment2 7#e7 to strengthen and maintain intellectual property protections2 and 7#f7 to facilitate the collection of information necessary for analyses and forecasts conducted pursuant to section #ajh4 ,,ii ,mineral-specific actions #bja4 ,administration ,nothing in this title or an amendment made by this title affects the methodology or designations established under section #aja4 #bjb4 ,cobalt 7a7 ,authorization ,the ,secretary shall support research programs that focus on novel uses for cobalt 7including energy technologies and super-alloys71 including-- 7#a7 use in energy technologies 7including1 for purposes of this section1 rechargeable batteries1 catalysts1 photovoltaic cells1 permanent magnets1 and fuel cells72 7#b7 use in alloys with military equipment1 civil aviation1 and electricity generation applications2 and 7#c7 use as coal-to-gas and coal-to-liquid catalysts4 7b7 ,categories ,research under this section shall be conducted in-- 7#a7 a fundamental category1 including laboratory and literature research2 and 7#b7 an applied category1 including plant and field research4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report describing-- 7#a7 the research programs carried out under this section2 7#b7 the findings of the programs2 and 7#c7 future research efforts planned4 #bjc4 ,lead 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall support research programs that focus on advanced lead manufacturing processes1 including programs that-- 7#a7 contribute to the establishment of a secure1 domestic supply of lead2 7#b7 produce technologies that represent an environmental improvement compared to conventional production processes2 or 7#c7 produce technologies that attain a higher efficiency level compared to conventional production processes4 7b7 ,coordination ,in carrying out the programs under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall coordinate with other entities to promote the development of environmentally responsible lead manufacturing1 including-- 7#a7 other ,federal agencies2 7#b7 ,states with affected interests2 7#c7 manufacturers2 7#d7 energy technology manufacturers1 including producers of batteries and other energy storage technologies2 and 7#e7 any others considered appropriate by the ,secretary4 #bjd4 ,lithium ,subtitle ,e of title ,,vi of the ,energy ,independence and ,security ,act of #bjjg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agbda et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #feg4 ,grants for lithium production research and development 7a7 ,definition of eligible entity ,in this section1 the term eligible entity means-- 7#a7 a private partnership or other entity that is-- 7,a7 organized in accordance with ,federal law2 and 7,b7 engaged in lithium production for use in advanced battery technologies2 7#b7 a public entity1 such as a ,state1 tribal1 or local governmental entity2 or 7#c7 a consortium of entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b74 7b7 ,grants ,the ,secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities for research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of domestic industrial processes that are designed to enhance domestic lithium production for use in advanced battery technologies1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,use ,an eligible entity shall use a grant provided under this section to develop or enhance-- 7#a7 domestic industrial processes that increase lithium production1 processing1 or recycling for use in advanced lithium batteries2 or 7#b7 industrial processes associated with new formulations of lithium feedstock for use in advanced lithium batteries4 4 #bje4 ,thorium 7a7 ,study ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,nuclear ,regulatory ,commission1 shall conduct a study on the technical1 economic1 and policy issues 7including nonproliferation7 associated with establishing a licensing pathway for the complete thorium nuclear fuel cycle 7including mining1 milling1 processing1 fabrication1 reactors1 disposal1 and decommissioning7 that-- 7#a7 identifies the gaps in the technical knowledge that could lead to a licensing pathway2 and 7#b7 considers technologies and applications for any thorium byproducts of critical mineral production or processing4 7b7 ,cooperation ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall cooperate with appropriate-- 7#a7 trade associations2 7#b7 equipment manufacturers2 7#c7 ,national ,laboratories2 7#d7 institutions of higher education2 and 7#e7 other applicable entities4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report summarizing the findings of the study4 #bjf4 ,nontraditional sources for rare earth elements 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct a program to identify1 research1 and develop rare earth elements from nontraditional sources that-- 7#a7 identifies and assesses the technological feasibility of extracting rare earth elements from nontraditional sources2 7#b7 develops advanced rare earth element processing technologies to increase the economic viability and improve the environmental impact of recovering rare earth elements from identified nontraditional sources2 and 7#c7 provides technical assistance to industrial partners to develop and demonstrate rare earth element recovery from identified nontraditional sources4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report summarizing the activities1 findings1 and progress of the program4 ,,iii ,miscellaneous #cja4 ,repeal2 authorization offset 7a7 ,repeal 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,national ,critical ,materials ,act of #aihd 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja et seq47 is repealed4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #c7;d7 of the ,national ,superconductivity and ,competitiveness ,act of #aihh 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #ebjb7;d77 is amended in the first sentence by striking 1 with the assistance of the ,national ,critical ,materials ,council as specified in the ,national ,critical ,materials ,act of #aihd 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja et seq4714 7b7 ,authorization offset ,section #bjg7;c7 of the ,energy ,independence and ,security ,act of #bjjg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agjbb7;c77 is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 except that the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section not appropriated as of the date of enactment of the ,critical ,minerals ,policy ,act of #bjac shall be reduced by #fj1jjj1jjj4 #cjb4 ,administration ,nothing in this ,act or an amendment made by this ,act modifies any requirement or authority provided by the matter under the heading ,,geological ,,survey of the first section of the ,act of ,march #c1 #ahgi 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #ca7;a774 #cjc4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act #fj1jjj1jjj1 of which-- 7#a7 #b1jjj1jjj may be used to carry out section #aja1 to remain available until expended2 7#b7 #bj1jjj1jjj may be used to carry out the amendment made by section #ajc1 to remain available until expended2 7#c7 #b1jjj1jjj may be used to carry out section #ajd1 to remain available until expended2 7#d7 #h1jjj1jjj may be used to carry out section #aje1 to remain available until expended2 7#e7 #a1ejjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad and #bjae may be used to carry out each of sections #ajf and #ajg1 to remain available until expended2 7#f7 #d1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad and #bjae may be used to carry out section #ajh1 to remain available until expended2 7#g7 #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad and #bjae may be used to carry out section #aji1 to remain available until expended2 7#h7 #ejj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad and #bjae may be used to carry out section #aaj1 to remain available until expended2 7#i7 #a1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjad and #bjae may be used to carry out each of sections #bjb1 #bjc1 #bjd1 and #bjf and the amendments made by those sections2 and 7#aj7 #a1jjj1jjj may be used to carry out section #bje1 to remain available until expended4