Congressman Ciscomani’s Critical Mineral Legislation Passes the House

Washington, D.C. - Legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani to support American energy independence, bolster domestic critical supply chains, and support responsible resource development across the country passed the House today.

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act (H.R. 755) aligns the Departments of Energy and Interior ’s lists of materials and minerals considered to be critical. By standardizing how critical minerals are defined and recognized, the legislation will help streamline permitting, attract investment, and accelerate the development of domestic mining and processing projects vital to national security and economic growth. For Arizona specifically, this legislation means that copper projects will be more easily approved and streamlined.

Critical minerals are key components in a wide range of technologies, including renewable energy systems, advanced batteries, semiconductors, aerospace equipment, and defense systems. The United States currently relies heavily on foreign sources, often from nations hostile to the U.S., for many of these materials. The Critical Mineral Consistency Act addresses this vulnerability by ensuring that federal agencies operate from a unified and transparent framework.

Congressman Ciscomani is proud to have led the effort to introduce and pass this legislation, as it will be vital for the region of southeastern Arizona. Copper and other critical minerals are an essential resource in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District, providing both job opportunities and a boost to our economy.

"America should never have to depend on adversaries for the materials that power our economy and national defense," said Congressman Ciscomani. "With today’s passage of the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, we are streamlining permitting, attracting investment, and unlocking Arizona’s vast mineral resources — especially copper — to strengthen our supply chains and our security."

"Accessing critical minerals and materials is essential for our national security and energy grid. Government red tape should not be a barrier to development and innovation," said Congresswoman Susie Lee. "Whether something is a ‘critical mineral’ according to the Interior Department or a 'critical material' according to the Energy Department, the federal government should treat all as critical resources. I’m glad my commonsense, bipartisan bill is one step closer to providing the clarity that both industry and federal agencies need."

"Securing domestic critical mineral supply chains will bolster our national security, create jobs in rural communities and unleash American innovation," said Chairman Bruce Westerman of the House Natural Resources Committee. "Representative Ciscomani’s bill will allow both the DOI and DOE to retain crucial autonomy in creating their own lists while increasing efficiency, ensuring consistent treatment across the federal government and improving access to federal programs under a unified list. I thank Representative Ciscomani for this commonsense legislation and look forward to seeing it cross the finish line."

Passage of this legislation is welcomed by leaders in the local mining industry:

Adam Estelle, President of the Copper Development Association, responded:

"The Copper Development Association applauds Representatives Ciscomani and Lee for their continued leadership to bring important parity between U.S. Geological Survey critical minerals and the Department of Energy materials lists to strengthen our domestic supply chains through the Critical Mineral Consistency Act.  Critical Minerals like copper are essential for our economic and national security, and this legislation further helps support our domestic copper industry."

Steve Trussell, executive Director of the Arizona Mining Association, stated:

"This commonsense legislation removes outdated bureaucratic silos, allowing for a unified approach to critical mineral development. By ensuring the U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the critical materials identified by the Department of Energy, including copper, we are fostering investment, supporting Arizona mining jobs, and strengthening our reliance on American made resources."

Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association, commented:

"We firmly believe all minerals are critical, and this commonsense legislation is an important step forward. The bipartisan and bicameral Critical Mineral Consistency Act is a win for American miners, for domestic supply chain security and is essential to ensuring domestic production can increasingly meet soaring demand. We applaud the leadership of Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) and Susie Lee (D-Nev.) in making sure made-in-America can increasingly mean mined-in-America. We call on the Senate to take action and pass this important legislation."

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