U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY) released a statement late last week on why he voted for the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act, which the House approved by a vote of 254-177.
Hanna said the U.S. relies too heavily on importing rare earth minerals when the nation is estimated to have several domestic mineral reserves at its disposal, including copper, uranium and platinum.
“The National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act reduces regulatory burdens and expedites the permitting process for the mining of vital minerals in order to reduce our dependence on foreign minerals and create jobs in the United States,” Hanna said.
Hanna also said the bill requires the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to more efficiently create sources of strategic and critical minerals.
“The bill would provide a more timely permitting process, give agencies the ability to cut through red tape, streamline duplicative reviews and ensure that projects are not indefinitely delayed by lawsuits which cost the taxpayer,” Hanna said.