,i #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #gjfa ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #bh1 #bjbj,mr4 ,waltz 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,gosar1 ,mr4 ,bishop of ,utah1 ,mr4 ,lucas1 ,mr4 ,mc,carthy1 ,mr4 ,young1 ,mr4 ,weber of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,crawford1 ,mr4 ,marshall1 ,mr4 ,buck1 ,mr4 ,gonzalez of ,ohio1 ,mr4 ,la,malfa1 ,mr4 ,posey1 ,mr4 ,newhouse1 ,mr4 ,balderson1 ,mr4 ,curtis1 ,mr4 ,babin1 ,mr4 ,mc,clintock1 ,mr4 ,olson1 ,mr4 ,kevin ,hern of ,oklahoma1 ,mr4 ,norman1 ,mr4 ,stauber1 ,mr4 ,baird1 ,mr4 ,westerman1 ,mr4 ,wittman1 ,ms4 ,cheney1 ,mrs4 ,lesko1 ,mr4 ,stewart1 ,mr4 ,johnson of ,south ,dakota1 ,mr4 ,cook1 ,mr4 ,gohmert1 ,mr4 ,hice of ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,emmer1 ,mr4 ,amodei1 ,mr4 ,fulcher1 ,mr4 ,lamborn1 ,mr4 ,calvert1 and ,mr4 ,duncan7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 ,small ,business1 the ,judiciary1 and ,education and ,labor1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to promote the domestic exploration1 research1 development1 and processing of critical minerals to ensure the economic and national security of the ,united ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,american ,critical ,mineral ,exploration and ,innovation ,act of #bjbj4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,title ,i--,critical ,mineral ,production,sec4 #aja4 ,policy4,sec4 #ajb4 ,critical mineral designations4,sec4 #ajc4 ,resource assessment4,sec4 #ajd4 ,permitting4,sec4 #aje4 ,federal ,register process4,sec4 #ajf4 ,department of ,energy ,critical ,minerals ,research and ,development ,program4,sec4 #ajg4 ,critical minerals research database4,sec4 #ajh4 ,analysis and forecasting4,sec4 #aji4 ,education and workforce4,sec4 #aaj4 ,national geological and geophysical data preservation program4,sec4 #aaa4 ,administration4,title ,,ii--,critical ,minerals ,technology ,development ,support,sec4 #bja4 ,technology grants4,title ,,iii--,management of ,federal ,mineral ,resources,sec4 #cja4 ,economic and national security analysis4,sec4 #cjb4 ,congressional approval4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,byproduct ,the term byproduct means a critical mineral-- 7,a7 the recovery of which depends on the production of a host mineral that is not designated as a critical mineral2 and 7,b7 that exists in sufficient quantities to be recovered during processing or refining4 7#b7 ,critical mineral 7,a7 ,in general ,the term critical mineral means any mineral1 element1 substance1 or material designated as critical by the ,secretary under section #ajb4 7,b7 ,exclusions ,the term critical mineral does not include-- 7i7 oil1 natural gas1 or any other fossil fuels2 or 7ii7 water1 ice1 or snow4 7#c7 ,critical mineral manufacturing ,the term critical mineral manufacturing means-- 7,a7 the exploration1 development1 mining1 production1 processing1 refining1 alloying1 separation1 concentration1 magnetic sintering1 melting1 or beneficiation of critical minerals within the ,united ,states2 7,b7 the fabrication1 assembly1 or production using a critical mineral1 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#d7 ,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 #ecjd74 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#f7 ,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 7#g7 ,lead agency ,the term lead agency means the agency with primary responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit for a project4 7#h7 ,mineral exploration or mine permit ,the term mineral exploration or mine permit means-- 7,a7 an authorization of the ,bureau of ,land ,management or the ,forest ,service1 as applicable1 for a premining activity that requires analysis under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq472 7,b7 a plan of operations issued by-- 7i7 the ,bureau of ,land ,management under subpart #chji of part #chjj of title #dc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations72 or 7ii7 the ,forest ,service under subpart ,a of part #bbh of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations72 or 7,c7 a permit for a project located in an area described in section #cejc4ac of title #dc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations74 7#i7 ,project ,the term project means a project relating to1 or incidental to mineral exploration1 mining1 beneficiation1 processing1 or reclamation activities-- 7,a7 on a mining claim1 millsite claim1 or tunnel site claim for any locatable mineral2 or 7,b7 in conjunction with any ,federal mineral 7other than coal and oil shale7 that is leased under-- 7i7 the ,mineral ,leasing ,act for ,acquired ,lands 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #cea et seq472 or 7ii7 section #djb of ,reorganization ,plan ,numbered #c of #aidf 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 ,i ,critical ,mineral ,production #aja4 ,policy 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the assured supply of critical minerals and the resiliency of their supply chains are essential to the economic prosperity and national defense of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,the ,united ,states is heavily dependent on foreign sources of critical minerals and on foreign supply chains resulting in the potential for strategic vulnerabilities to both the economy and the military4 7#c7 ,as deployment of clean energy technologies and emissions control devices increase1 the demand for critical minerals will grow significantly4 7#d7 ,the ,united ,states is import-reliant for #ca of the #ce minerals designated as critical by the ,department of the ,interior and relies completely on imports to supply its demand for #ad of these minerals4 7#e7 ,over the past two decades ,china has produced more than #hj percent of the world's production of rare-earth elements and processed chemicals4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that to break from ,china's control on the mineral supply chain1 the ,united ,states should support significant research and development activities to drive innovation in domestic critical minerals production1 promote responsible development of critical minerals1 and encourage international collaboration to limit the impact of mineral supply disruptions4 7c7 ,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-- 7#a7 by amending paragraph 7#c7 to read as follows3 7#c7 establish an analytical and forecasting capability for identifying critical mineral demand1 supply1 and other factors 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 at the end2 and 7#c7 by striking paragraph 7#g7 and inserting the following3 7#g7 facilitate the availability1 development1 and environmentally responsible production of domestic resources to meet national material or critical mineral needs2 7#h7 avoid duplication of effort1 prevent unnecessary paperwork1 and minimize 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#i7 strengthen-- 7,a7 educational and research capabilities at not lower than the secondary school level2 and 7,b7 workforce training for exploration and development of critical minerals and critical mineral manufacturing2 7#aj7 bolster international cooperation through technology transfer1 information sharing1 and other means2 7#aa7 promote the efficient production1 use1 and recycling of critical minerals2 7#ab7 develop alternatives to critical minerals2 and 7#ac7 establish contingencies for the production of1 or access to1 critical minerals for which viable sources do not exist within the ,united ,states4 4 7d7 ,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 to read as follows3 7b7 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,critical mineral ,the term critical mineral has the meaning given such term in section #b of the ,american ,critical ,mineral ,exploration and ,innovation ,act of #bjbj4 7#b7 ,materials ,the term materials means substances1 including minerals1 of current or potential use that will be needed to supply the industrial1 military1 and essential civilian needs of the ,united ,states in the production of goods or services1 including those which are primarily imported or for which there is a prospect of shortages or uncertain supply1 or which present opportunities in terms of new physical properties1 use1 recycling1 disposal or substitution1 with the exclusion of food and of energy fuels used as such4 4 7e7 ,critical minerals interagency subcommittee 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,critical ,minerals ,subcommittee of the ,national ,science and ,technology ,council 7referred to in this section as ,subcommittee7 shall coordinate ,federal science and technology efforts to ensure secure and reliable supplies of critical minerals to the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of the ,subcommittee shall be-- 7,a7 to advise and assist the ,committee on ,homeland and ,national ,security and the ,national ,science and ,technology ,council on ,united ,states policies1 procedures1 and plans as it relates to critical minerals1 including-- 7i7 ,federal research1 development1 and deployment efforts to optimize methods for extractions1 concentration1 separation and purification of conventional1 secondary1 and unconventional sources of critical minerals2 7ii7 efficient use and reuse of critical minerals2 7iii7 the critical minerals workforce of the ,united ,states2 and 7iv7 ,united ,states private industry investments in innovation and technology transfer from federally funded science and technology2 7,b7 to identify emerging opportunities1 stimulate international cooperation1 and foster the development of secure and reliable supply chains of critical minerals2 7,c7 to ensure the transparency of information and data related to critical minerals2 and 7,d7 to provide recommendations on coordination and collaboration among the research1 development1 and deployment programs and activities of ,federal agencies to promote a secure and reliable supply of critical minerals necessary to maintain national security1 economic well-being1 and industrial production4 7#c7 ,responsibilities ,in carrying out paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 the ,subcommittee may1 taking into account the findings and recommendations of relevant advisory committees-- 7,a7 provide recommendations on how ,federal agencies may improve the topographic1 geologic1 and geophysical mapping of the ,united ,states and improve the discoverability1 accessibility1 and usability of the resulting and existing data1 to the extent permitted by law and subject to appropriate limitation for purposes of privacy and security2 assess the progress towards developing critical minerals recycling and reprocessing technologies1 and technological alternatives to critical minerals2 7,b7 examine options for accessing and developing critical minerals through investment and trade with our allies and partners and provide recommendations2 7,c7 evaluate and provide recommendations to incentivize the development and use of advances in science and technology in the private industry2 7,d7 assess the need for and make recommendations to address the challenges the ,united ,states critical minerals supply chain workforce faces1 including aging and retiring personnel and faculty2 public perceptions about the nature of mining and mineral processing2 and foreign competition for ,united ,states talent2 7,e7 develop1 and update as necessary1 a strategic plan to guide ,federal programs and activities to enhance scientific and technical capabilities across critical mineral supply chains1 including a roadmap that identifies key research and development needs and coordinates ongoing activities for source diversification1 more efficient use1 recycling1 and substitution for critical minerals2 as well as cross-cutting mining science1 data science techniques1 materials science1 manufacturing science and engineering1 computational modeling1 and environmental health and safety research and development2 and 7,f7 report to the appropriate committees of ,congress on activities and findings under this section4 #ajb4 ,critical mineral designations 7a7 ,draft ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey1 shall publish in the ,federal ,register for public comment a draft-- 7#a7 description of the methodology used to identify critical minerals2 7#b7 list of minerals1 elements1 substances1 and materials that qualify as critical minerals2 and 7#c7 list of critical minerals recoverable as byproducts4 7b7 ,final ,not later than #de days after the date on which the public comment period described in paragraph 7#a7 ends1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey1 shall publish in the ,federal ,register-- 7#a7 a description of the methodology for determining which minerals1 elements1 substances1 and materials qualify as critical minerals2 7#b7 a list of critical minerals2 and 7#c7 a list of critical minerals recoverable as byproducts4 7c7 ,criteria 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall designate a mineral1 element1 substance1 or material as a critical mineral for the purposes of this subsection if the ,secretary determines1 in consultation with the ,secretaries of ,defense1 ,commerce1 ,agriculture1 and ,energy1 and the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative that-- 7,a7 such mineral1 element1 substance1 or material is essential to the economic or national security of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 the supply chain of such mineral1 element1 substance1 or material is vulnerable to disruption 7including restrictions associated with foreign political risk1 abrupt demand growth1 military conflict1 violent unrest1 anti-competitive or protectionist behaviors1 and other risks throughout the supply chain72 and 7,c7 such mineral1 element1 substance1 or material serves an essential function in the manufacturing of a product 7including energy technology-1 defense-1 currency-1 agriculture-1 consumer electronics-1 and health care-related applications71 the absence of which would have significant consequences for the economic or national security of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,determination by another agency ,the ,secretary may designate a mineral1 element1 substance1 or material determined by another ,federal agency to be strategic and critical to the defense or national security of the ,united ,states4 7d7 ,subsequent review ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretaries of ,defense1 ,commerce1 ,agriculture1 and ,energy and the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative1 shall review the methodology and list under subsection 7b7 not less frequently than every #c years and may revise such determinations as the ,secretary1 in consultation with ,secretaries of ,defense1 ,commerce1 ,agriculture1 and ,energy and the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative1 determines appropriate4 7e7 ,quantitative data ,the ,secretary1 in making a determination under this subsection1 shall to the extent possible1 use quantitative methods to make such determination4 7f7 ,notice ,on finalization of the methodology and the list under subsection 7b71 or any revision to the methodology or list under subsection 7d71 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress written notice of the action4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #a1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj to carry out this section4 #ajc4 ,resource assessment 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 in consultation with applicable ,states1 ,state geological surveys1 local governments and academic1 industry1 and other entities1 the ,secretary shall complete a comprehensive national resource 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 and 7#b7 provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of undiscovered critical mineral resources throughout the ,united ,states1 including probability estimates of tonnage and grade1 using all available public and private information and datasets1 including exploration histories4 7b7 ,supplementary information ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary shall carry out surveys and field work 7including drilling1 remote sensing1 geophysical surveys1 topographical and geological mapping1 and geochemical sampling and analysis7 to supplement existing information and datasets available for determining the existence of critical minerals in the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,public access ,subject to applicable law1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary shall make all data and metadata collected from the comprehensive national assessment carried out under subsection 7a7 publicly and electronically accessible4 7d7 ,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 7e7 ,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 #ajb are completed first4 7#b7 ,interim reports ,during the period beginning not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and ending on the date of 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 7f7 ,updates ,the ,secretary may periodically update the assessments 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 persons4 7g7 ,additional surveys ,the ,secretary shall complete a resource assessment for each additional mineral1 element1 substance1 or material subsequently designated as a critical mineral under section #ajb not later than #b years after such designation4 7h7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report describing the status of geological surveying of ,federal land for any mineral1 element1 substance1 or material commodity-- 7#a7 for which the ,united ,states was dependent on a foreign country for more than #be percent of the ,united ,states supply1 as depicted in the report issued by the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey entitled ,mineral ,commodity ,summaries #bjbj2 but 7#b7 that is not designated as a critical mineral under section #ajb4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #ej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj to carry out this section4 #ajd4 ,permitting 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 critical minerals are fundamental to the economy1 competitiveness1 and security of the ,united ,states2 7#b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 the critical mineral needs of the ,united ,states should be satisfied by minerals1 elements1 substances1 and materials responsibly produced and recycled in the ,united ,states2 and 7#c7 the ,federal permitting process has been identified as an impediment to mineral production and the mineral security of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,coordination on permitting process 7#a7 ,in general ,to improve the quality and timeliness of decisions1 the lead agency shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 with respect to a project on ,federal land described in paragraph 7#b71 complete ,federal permitting and review processes with maximum efficiency and effectiveness1 while supporting vital economic growth1 by-- 7,a7 establishing and adhering to timelines and schedules for the consideration of1 and final decisions regarding1 applications1 operating plans1 leases1 licenses1 permits1 and other use authorizations for mineral-related activities on ,federal land2 7,b7 establishing clear1 quantifiable1 and temporal permitting performance goals and tracking progress against those goals2 7,c7 engaging in early collaboration among agencies1 project sponsors1 and affected stakeholders-- 7i7 to incorporate and address the interests of those parties2 and 7ii7 to minimize delays2 7,d7 ensuring transparency and accountability by using cost-effective information technology to collect and disseminate information regarding individual projects and agency performance2 7,e7 engaging in early and active consultation with ,state1 local1 and ,indian ,tribal governments to avoid conflicts or duplication of effort1 resolve concerns1 and allow for concurrent1 rather than sequential1 ,state1 local1 ,tribal1 and ,federal environmental and regulatory reviews2 7,f7 providing demonstrable improvements in the performance of ,federal permitting and review processes1 including lower costs and more timely decisions2 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 national1 regional1 ,state1 and local levels2 and 7,i7 developing other practices to improve regulatory processes1 such as preapplication procedures4 7#b7 ,projects described ,a project is described by this paragraph if such project is-- 7,a7 a project to produce a critical mineral1 including as a byproduct or from tailing2 7,b7 an exploration project with respect to which the presence of a byproduct is a reasonable expectation1 based on known mineral companionality1 geologic formation1 mineralogy1 or other factors2 or 7,c7 a project that demonstrates that the byproduct is of sufficient grade that1 if combined with the production of a host mineral1 is economical to recover1 as determined by the applicable ,secretary4 7#c7 ,considerations ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the lead agency shall consider deferring to1 and relying on1 baseline data1 analyses1 and reviews performed by ,state agencies with jurisdiction over the proposed project4 7#d7 ,memorandum of agreement ,the lead agency with respect to a critical mineral project1 in consultation with any other ,federal agency with jurisdiction over such project1 may establish a memorandum of agreement with the project sponsor1 ,state and local governments1 and other entities such lead agency determines appropriate to carry out the activities described in this subsection4 7#e7 ,time limit for permitting process ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 and except with agreement of the project sponsor1 the total period for all necessary ,federal reviews and permit consideration for a project reasonably expected to produce critical minerals may not exceed #cj months4 7c7 ,determination under ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act 7#a7 ,in general ,to the extent that the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 applies to the issuance of any mineral exploration or mine permit1 the lead agency may deem the requirements of such ,act satisfied if the lead agency determines that a ,state or ,federal agency acting under ,state or ,federal law has addressed the following factors3 7,a7 ,the environmental impact of the action to be conducted under the permit4 7,b7 ,possible adverse environmental effects of actions under the permit4 7,c7 ,possible alternatives to issuance of the permit4 7,d7 ,the relationship between long- and short-term uses of the local environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity4 7,e7 ,any irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources that would be involved in the proposed action4 7#b7 ,publication ,the lead agency shall publish a determination under paragraph 7#a7 not later than #ij days after receipt of an application for the permit4 7#c7 ,verification ,the lead agency shall publish a determination that the factors under paragraph 7#a7 have been sufficiently addressed and public participation has occurred with regard to any authorizing actions before issuing any mineral exploration or mine permit4 7d7 ,schedule for permitting process ,for any project for which the lead agency cannot make the determination described in 7c71 at the request of a project sponsor1 the lead agency1 cooperating agencies1 and any other agencies involved with the mineral exploration or mine permitting process shall enter into an agreement with the project sponsor that sets time limits for each part of the permitting process1 including-- 7#a7 the decision on whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq472 7#b7 a determination of the scope of any environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under such ,act2 7#c7 the scope of1 and schedule for1 the baseline studies required to prepare an environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under such ,act2 7#d7 preparation of any draft environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under such ,act2 7#e7 preparation of a final environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under such ,act2 7#f7 any consultations required under applicable law2 7#g7 submission and review of any comments required under applicable law2 7#h7 publication of any public notices required under applicable law2 and 7#i7 any final or interim decisions4 7e7 ,addressing public comments ,as part of the review process under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq471 the lead agency may not address any agency or public comments that were not submitted-- 7#a7 during a public comment period or consultation period provided during the permitting process2 or 7#b7 as otherwise required by law4 7f7 ,review and report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall submit to ,congress a report that-- 7#a7 identifies additional measures 7including regulatory and legislative proposals1 as appropriate7 that would increase the timeliness of permitting activities for the exploration and development of domestic critical minerals2 7#b7 identifies options 7including cost recovery paid by permit applicants1 as appropriate7 for ensuring adequate staffing and training of ,federal entities and personnel responsible for the consideration of applications1 operating plans1 leases1 licenses1 permits1 and other use authorizations for critical mineral-related activities on ,federal land2 7#c7 quantifies the amount of time typically required 7including range derived from minimum and maximum durations1 mean1 median1 variance1 and any other statistical measure or representation the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture determine appropriate7 to complete each step 7including those aspects outside the control of the executive branch1 such as judicial review1 applicant decisions1 or ,state and local government involvement7 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#d7 describes actions carried out pursuant to subsection 7b74 7g7 ,performance metric ,not later than #ij days after the date of submission of the report under subsection 7e71 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 after providing public notice and an opportunity to comment1 shall develop and publish a performance metric for evaluating the progress made by the executive branch to expedite the permitting of activities that will increase exploration for1 and development of1 domestic critical minerals1 while maintaining environmental standards4 7h7 ,annual reports ,beginning with the first budget submission by the ,president under section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 after publication of the performance metric required under subsection 7f71 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretaries of ,agriculture and of the ,interior shall jointly submit to ,congress a report that-- 7#a7 summarizes the implementation of recommendations1 measures1 and options identified in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7f72 7#b7 using the performance metric under subsection 7d71 describes progress made by the executive branch1 as compared to the baseline established pursuant to subsection 7c77#c71 on expediting the permitting of activities that will increase exploration for1 and development of1 domestic critical minerals2 and 7#c7 compares the ,united ,states to other countries in terms of permitting efficiency and any other criteria relevant to the globally competitive critical minerals industry4 7i7 ,individual projects ,using data from the ,secretaries of ,agriculture and of the ,interior generated under subsection 7g71 the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget shall prioritize inclusion of individual critical mineral projects on the website operated by the ,office of ,management and ,budget in accordance with section #aabb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code4 7j7 ,report of ,small ,business ,administration ,not later than #a year and #cjj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration shall submit to the ,committees on ,small ,business and ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives and ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship and ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report that assesses the performance of ,federal agencies with respect to-- 7#a7 complying with chapter #f of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 in promulgating regulations applicable to the critical minerals industry2 and 7#b7 performing an analysis of regulations applicable to the critical minerals industry that may be outmoded1 inefficient1 duplicative1 or excessively burdensome4 7k7 ,application ,section #dajja7f77;,a7 of the ,,fast ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcgjm7#f77;,a77 is amended by inserting 7including critical mineral manufacturing 7as defined in section #b of the ,american ,critical ,mineral ,exploration and ,innovation ,act77 after manufacturing4 #aje4 ,federal ,register process 7a7 ,departmental review ,absent any extraordinary circumstance1 and except as otherwise required by law1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall ensure that each ,federal ,register notice described in subsection 7b7 shall be-- 7#a7 subject to any required reviews within the ,department of the ,interior or the ,department of ,agriculture2 and 7#b7 published in final form in the ,federal ,register not later than #de days after the date of initial preparation of the notice4 7b7 ,preparation ,the preparation of ,federal ,register notices required by law associated with the issuance of a critical mineral exploration or mine permit shall be delegated to the organizational level within the agency responsible for issuing the critical mineral exploration or mine permit4 7c7 ,transmission ,all ,federal ,register notices regarding official document availability1 announcements of meetings1 or notices of intent to undertake an action shall be originated in1 and transmitted to the ,federal ,register from1 the office in which1 as applicable-- 7#a7 the documents or meetings are held2 or 7#b7 the activity is initiated4 #ajf4 ,department of ,energy ,critical ,minerals ,research and ,development ,program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall carry out a crosscutting research and development program to accelerate innovation in advanced critical minerals development strategies and technologies for the purpose of making better use of domestic resources and eliminating national reliance on minerals and mineral materials that are subject to supply disruptions4 7b7 ,execution ,in carrying out this program1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall-- 7#a7 develop innovative technologies and practices to diversify commercially viable domestic sources of critical minerals and identify new uses for co-products and by-products2 7#b7 advance new mapping and mining technologies and techniques that can accelerate the robust characterization of domestic critical minerals resources1 including advanced critical mineral extraction1 production1 separation1 alloying1 or processing technologies that can decrease the energy intensity1 potential environmental impact and costs of those activities2 7#c7 identify and develop alternative minerals1 metals1 and replacement materials that lessen the need for critical minerals1 particularly those available in abundance within the ,united ,states and not subject to supply disruptions1 and design new systems to use these alternatives2 7#d7 advance new technologies and techniques to support the economically viable manufacturing1 recycling1 and reuse of critical minerals2 and 7#e7 develop advanced theoretical1 computational1 and experimental tools necessary to support the crosscutting basic research and development needs of diverse critical minerals stakeholders4 7c7 ,leveraging ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a7 the ,secretary of ,energy shall leverage resources and expertise across the ,department and from-- 7#a7 ,federal agencies2 7#b7 ,national ,laboratories2 7#c7 critical mineral producers2 7#d7 critical mineral processors2 7#e7 critical mineral manufacturers2 7#f7 trade associations2 7#g7 academic institutions2 7#h7 small businesses2 and 7#i7 other relevant entities or individuals4 7d7 ,standard of review ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act the ,secretary of ,energy shall conduct a review of activities carried out under this program described in subsection 7a7 to determine the achievement of technical milestones established in subsection 7f74 7e7 ,prohibition ,no funds allocated to the program described in subsection 7a7 may be obligated or expended for commercial application of energy technology4 7f7 ,critical minerals consortium 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall establish and operate a ,critical ,minerals ,consortium 7referred to in this section as the ,consortium7 for the purpose of supporting the program under subsection 7a7 by providing1 to the maximum extent practicable1 a centralized entity for multidisciplinary1 collaborative1 critical minerals research and development4 7#b7 ,membership ,the members of the ,consortium shall be representatives from relevant ,federal agencies1 the ,national ,laboratories1 institutions of higher education1 multi-institutional collaborations1 and other appropriate entities4 7#c7 ,activities ,the ,consortium shall-- 7,a7 develop and implement a multi-year program plan which includes the determination of technical goals and milestones and prioritizes leveraging of the user facilities1 high-performance computing capabilities1 and expertise of the ,department of ,energy and the ,national ,laboratories2 and 7,b7 submit an annual report to the ,secretary of ,energy summarizing the activities of the ,consortium which includes an evaluation of the ,consortium's role in the achievement of technical milestones determined in subparagraph 7,a74 7#d7 ,coordination ,the ,secretary of ,energy shall ensure the coordination of1 and avoid unnecessary duplication of1 the activities of the ,consortium with the activities of other research entities of the ,department1 institutions of higher education1 and the private sector4 7#e7 ,duration ,the ,consortium established under this subsection shall receive support for a period of not more than #e years1 subject to the availability of appropriations4 7#f7 ,renewal ,upon the expiration of any period of support of the ,consortium1 the ,secretary of ,energy may renew support for the ,consortium1 on a merit-reviewed basis1 for a period of not more than #e years4 7#g7 ,termination ,consistent with the existing authorities of the ,department1 the ,secretary of ,energy may terminate the ,consortium for cause during the performance period4 7g7 ,reports ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall submit to ,congress a report summarizing the activities1 findings1 and progress of the program4 7h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,energy #ace1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj to carry out this section4 #ajg4 ,critical minerals research database 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,energy1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation1 shall support the development of a web-based platform to provide access to a database of computed information on known and predicted critical minerals and related mineral materials properties and computational tools in order to-- 7#a7 accelerate breakthroughs in critical minerals discovery and design2 7#b7 strengthen the foundation for new mining technologies and advanced manufacturing2 and 7#c7 drive the development of advanced materials for applications that span the ,department's missions in energy1 environment1 and national security4 7b7 ,program ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall-- 7#a7 conduct cooperative research with industry1 academia1 and other research institutions to facilitate the design of novel materials1 including critical materials and substitutes for critical materials2 7#b7 leverage existing high-performance computing systems to conduct high throughput calculations and develop computation and data mining algorithms for the prediction of mineral properties1 including a focus on critical minerals2 7#c7 leverage and support basic research in mineralogy and mineral chemistry to enhance the understanding1 prediction1 and manipulation of critical minerals2 and 7#d7 manage and make available to researchers accessible1 curated1 standardized1 secure1 and privacy protected data sets from the public and private sectors for the purposes of critical minerals research and development activities4 7c7 ,coordination ,to carry out this section1 the ,secretary of ,energy shall leverage programs1 facilities1 and activities across the ,department4 7d7 ,security ,in carrying out the activities authorized by this section1 the ,secretary of ,energy1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation1 shall ensure proper security controls are in place to protect proprietary or sensitive data1 as appropriate4 #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 the ,energy ,information ,administration1 academic institutions1 and others 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 or other 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 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 determines 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 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,d7 the quantity of each critical mineral projected to be domestically recycled over the subsequent #a-year1 #e-year1 and #aj-year periods2 7,e7 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,f7 a discussion of reasonably foreseeable international trends associated with the discovery1 production1 consumption1 use1 costs of production1 and recycling of each critical mineral as well as the development of alternatives to critical minerals2 and 7,g7 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 or firm 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 or firm 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 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #d1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj to carry out this section4 #aji4 ,education and workforce 7a7 ,workforce assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year and #cjj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,labor1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation1 the institutions of higher education described in paragraph 7#b71 and employers in the critical minerals sector1 shall submit to ,congress an assessment of the domestic availability of technically trained personnel necessary for critical mineral exploration1 development1 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 7#b7 ,institutions of higher education ,the institutions of higher education described in this paragraph are-- 7,a7 institutions of higher education with substantial expertise in mining2 and 7,b7 institutions of higher education with significant expertise in minerals research1 including fundamental research into alternatives4 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 domestic critical mineral exploration1 development1 production1 manufacturing1 and research1 including fundamental research into alternatives1 and recycling2 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 domestic critical mineral exploration1 development1 production1 manufacturing1 and research1 including fundamental research into alternatives1 and recycling2 7,c7 to develop guidelines for proposals from institutions of higher education with substantial capabilities in the required disciplines for activities to improve the critical mineral supply chain and advance the capacity of the ,united ,states to increase domestic critical mineral exploration1 research1 development1 production1 manufacturing1 and recycling2 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 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 ,program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,labor 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 7,c7 equipment necessary for integrated critical mineral innovation1 training1 and workforce development programs2 and 7,d7 research of critical minerals and their applications1 particularly concerning the manufacture of critical components vital to national security4 7#b7 ,renewal ,a grant under this subsection shall be renewable for up to two #c-year terms based on performance criteria outlined under subsection 7b77#a77;,d74 #aaj4 ,national geological and geophysical data preservation program ,section #cea7k7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aeijh7k77 is amended by striking #cj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjjf through #bjaj and inserting #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj1 to remain available until expended4 #aaa4 ,administration 7a7 ,in general ,the ,national ,critical ,materials ,act of #aihd 7#cj ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja et seq47 is repealed4 7b7 ,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 7c7 ,savings clauses 7#a7 ,in general ,nothing in this ,act or an amendment made by this ,act modifies any requirement or authority provided by-- 7,a7 the matter under the heading ,,geological ,,survey of the first section of the ,act of ,march #c1 #ahgi 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #ca7;a772 or 7,b7 the first section of ,public ,law #hg-fbf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #ca7;b774 7#b7 ,effect on department of defense ,nothing in this ,act or an amendment made by this ,act affects the authority of the ,secretary of ,defense with respect to the work of the ,department of ,defense on critical material supplies in furtherance of the national defense mission of the ,department of ,defense4 7#c7 ,secretarial order not affected ,this ,act shall not apply to any mineral described in ,secretarial ,order ,no4 #ccbd1 issued by the ,secretary on ,december #c1 #bjab1 in any area to which the order applies4 ,,ii ,critical ,minerals ,technology ,development ,support #bja4 ,technology grants 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to conduct studies1 research1 and demonstration projects relating to the production of critical minerals1 including-- 7#a7 studies of mining1 mineral extraction efficiency1 and related processing technology2 7#b7 reclamation technology and practices for active mining operations2 7#c7 the development of remining systems and technologies that facilitate reclamation that fosters the recovery of resources at abandoned mine sites2 7#d7 investigations of mineral resource extraction methods that reduce environmental and human impacts2 7#e7 reducing dependence on foreign energy and mineral supplies2 7#f7 enhancing the competitiveness of ,united ,states energy and mineral technology exports2 7#g7 the extraction or processing of coinciding mineralization1 including rare earth elements1 within coal1 coal processing byproduct1 overburden or coal residue2 7#h7 enhancing technologies and practices related to mitigation of acid mine drainage1 reforestation1 and revegetation in the reclamation of land and water resources adversely affected by mining2 7#i7 meeting challenges of extreme mining conditions1 such as deeper deposits or offshore or cold region mining2 and 7#aj7 mineral economics1 including analysis of supply chains1 future mineral needs1 and unconventional mining resources4 7b7 ,minimum amount for mining schools ,of amounts expended pursuant to this section1 not less than #gj percent shall be expended to enhance and support mining and mineral engineering programs at mining schools in the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,public participation ,the ,secretary shall consult with relevant stakeholders and provide a significant opportunity for participation by undergraduate and graduate students at mining schools4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj4 7e7 ,mining school ,in this title1 the term mining school means a mining1 metallurgical1 or mineral engineering program or department accredited by the ,accreditation ,board for ,engineering and ,technology1 ,inc41 that is located at an institution of higher education 7as that term is defined in section #fca7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #aacb7;a777 in the ,united ,states4 ,,iii ,management of ,federal ,mineral ,resources #cja4 ,economic and national security analysis 7a7 ,resource assessments required ,federal lands and waters may not be withdrawn from entry under the mining laws or operation of the mineral leasing and mineral materials laws unless a quantitative and qualitative geophysical and geological mineral resource assessment of the impacted area has been completed during the #aj-year period ending on the date of such withdrawal or has been certified as current by the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey4 7b7 ,new information ,if a resource assessment completed by the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey1 including a resource assessment conducted pursuant to section #ajc1 shows that a previously undiscovered deposit is present in an area that has been withdrawn from entry under the mining laws or operation of the mineral leasing and mineral materials laws pursuant to-- 7#a7 section #bjd of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agad71 the ,secretary shall update the existing ,resource ,management ,plan for such area2 or 7#b7 chapter #cbjc of title #ed1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,secretary shall provide recommendations to the ,president on appropriate measures to reduce unnecessary impacts that the withdrawal may have on critical mineral exploration1 development1 and other mining activities4 7c7 ,resource management plans ,before a resource management plan under the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agja et seq47 is updated or completed1 the ,secretary or ,secretary of ,agriculture1 as applicable1 shall1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey3 7#a7 ,review a quantitative and qualitative mineral resource assessment that was completed or updated during the #aj-year period ending on the date the resource management plan is updated or completed or is certified as current by the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey for the geographic area affected by the resource management plan4 7#b7 ,in consultation with the ,departments of ,commerce and ,defense1 consider the economic1 strategic and national security value of mineral deposits in the impacted geographic area affected by the resource management plan4 7d7 ,previously undiscovered deposit ,in this section1 the term previously undiscovered deposit means a deposit that has been previously evaluated by the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey and found to be of low mineral potential but upon subsequent evaluation is determined to have economically recoverable quantities of a critical mineral4 #cjb4 ,congressional approval 7a7 ,moratoria ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary may not declare a moratorium on issuing leases1 claims1 or permits on ,federal lands1 including on the ,outer ,continental ,shelf1 for the mining of critical minerals1 or related activities unless such moratorium is authorized by an ,act of ,congress4 7b7 ,limitation ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary may not withdraw ,federal lands and waters from entry under the mining laws or operation of the mineral leasing and mineral materials laws for the mining of critical minerals without congressional approval if such withdrawal-- 7#a7 exceeds #e1jjj acres in a single withdrawal2 or 7#b7 is of a parcel the exterior boundary of which is less than #ej miles away from the exterior boundary of another parcel that was withdrawn during the #a-year period ending on the date of withdrawal of the parcel at issue4