Summary of the American Mineral Security Act of 2015

101. Policy – Articulates a modern statement of mineral policy for the United States to reflect the needs and challenges of the 21st century.

102. Designations – Establishes a methodology for the designation of critical minerals, based on potential supply disruptions and the importance of their use, and requires the list to be reviewed and updated at least every two years.

103. Resource Assessments – In coordination with state geological surveys, requires USGS to identify and quantify critical mineral resources throughout the United States within four years.

104. Permitting – Outlines a series of practical actions and requirements for the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) to reduce delays in the federal permitting process for new mines.

105. Application of Executive Order – Applies an Executive Order issued by President Obama in 2012, regarding the permitting of important infrastructure projects, to mines that will produce critical minerals and critical mineral manufacturing projects.

106. Federal Register Process – Requires Federal Register notices to be prepared at an agency’s organizational level, and for Departmental review to be completed within 45 days.

107. Recycling, Efficiency, and Alternatives – Authorizes the Department of Energy to continue to administer a program for these purposes to promote supplemental or substitute critical mineral supplies.

108. Analysis and Forecasting – Builds upon existing capabilities to establish a forecasting capability for critical mineral reliance, production, price, recycling, and related factors.

109. Education and Workforce – Provides for workforce assessments, curriculum development, and programs related to critical minerals at institutions of higher education.

The American Mineral Security Act does not authorize any new spending at this time. Senator Murkowski is fully committed to offsetting any costs that are ultimately justified and included for its various provisions. The full text of the bill is available on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s website.