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H.R.2604 / 117th Congress

Accessing America’s Critical Minerals Act of 2021

Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 15, 2021

Accessing America's Critical Minerals Act of 2021

This bill establishes deadlines to complete the environmental review of critical mineral projects on federal land and sets forth related requirements to expedite the review of such projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).

If an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is required for such project, then all necessary federal review and permit considerations must be completed within 18 or 24 months, respectively. However, the review may exceed the time limit if the project sponsor agrees.

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The lead agency of the environmental review of such project must allow a state or local government, an Indian tribe, a project sponsor, or another appropriate entity to assume certain federal responsibilities regarding the environmental review of the project upon the request of such entity.

Further, the bill authorizes a lead agency to determine that the requirements of NEPA have been satisfied if a state or federal agency acting under state or federal law has addressed specified factors, such as the environmental impact of the action to be conducted under the permit. If the lead agency does not make such a determination, then the agency must enter into an agreement with the project sponsor to set time limits for each part of the permitting process.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8] · R–MN

Committees

  • Natural Resources Committee
  • Small Business Committee
25 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

  2. Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Jan 3, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.2604 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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