WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), and ENR Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the Mining Schools Act of 2022. This bipartisan legislation will increase and improve opportunities for university and college mining and geological programs to prepare students to meet America’s future energy needs. 

“Wyoming’s miners are essential to powering America’s economy. The Mining Schools Act will help support mining communities in the West,” said Ranking Member Barrasso. “Our bipartisan legislation will create opportunities for mining schools to strengthen their programs and recruit the next generation of American energy producers. We will need a strong mining workforce to meet the demand for American energy and minerals. I am thankful to Chairman Manchin for his partnership on this important bill.” 

“A strong and skilled mining workforce is critical to reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains, increasing our deployment of renewable energy technologies and maintaining our energy security. In the last few years, however, this workforce has decreased as universities across the country struggle to enroll students in their mining and geological engineering programs. My bipartisan Mining Schools Act of 2022 addresses this decline by providing schools with the tools they need to recruit qualified students and maintain these crucial programs, ensuring the next generation is equipped with the skills and training necessary to develop innovative mining technologies that strengthen our nation’s position as a global energy leader,” said Chairman Manchin. 

The Mining Schools Act of 2022 will: 

• Establish a grant program for mining schools to receive funds in order to recruit students and carry out studies, research projects, or demonstration projects related to the production of minerals; and

• Establish the Mining Professional Development Advisory Board to evaluate applications and recommend recipients to the Secretary of Energy, as well as conduct oversight to ensure that grant funds are appropriately used.

Read the text of the Mining Schools Act of 2022 here. 

Read a section-by-section of the Mining Schools Act of 2022 here.

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