The Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources conducted a legislative hearing to review six proposed bills designed to enhance access to critical mineral resources, formalize several of former President Donald Trump’s executive orders, and bolster domestic energy production. Subcommittee Chair Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) commented on the session:
“While the United States is blessed with an abundance of natural resources capable of securing our mineral and energy future, our burdensome permitting process and restrictive policies implemented by previous anti-mining administrations have left these critical resources untapped. During today’s hearing, we examined six bills that will help this nation achieve mineral and energy dominance and support President Trump’s domestic mining agenda. These bills codify many of President Trump’s executive orders that support mining, as well as open federal lands for production and provide the certainty necessary for good projects to move forward. As President Trump continues to champion American mining, Congress must act as a partner in that effort, which is why I remain committed to advancing these bills through Congress.”
Among the legislation discussed was H.R. 280, known as the Combating Obstruction Against Leasing (COAL) Act of 2025. Introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), this bill aims to bring stability to coal lease applications already underway under NEPA by nullifying the current moratorium on new federal coal leases established during the Biden administration.
Another bill, H.R. 1366—the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025—was introduced by Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.). It seeks to restore regulatory certainty for mine operations nationwide in response to a 2022 decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that altered long-standing practices related to mineral development.
H.R. 3872, or the Mineral Extraction for Renewable Industry and Critical Applications (MERICA) Act of 2025 from Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), proposes amendments allowing all federally acquired lands to be considered for hardrock mineral leasing.
Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) put forth H.R. 4018, directing federal agencies including the Department of the Interior to expedite leasing and permitting processes for seabed mineral projects on the Outer Continental Shelf while identifying recoverable critical minerals in those areas.
H.R. 4068—the Streamlining NEPA for Coal Act—was introduced by Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.). The bill would broaden categorical exclusions supporting coal production under NEPA regulations.
Finally, H.R. 4090 from Rep. Pete Stauber would require DOI action against agency decisions impeding mining projects and call for a comprehensive review of state and local laws affecting mineral exploration across the country.
These legislative efforts come at a time when policymakers are seeking ways to increase domestic supplies of minerals crucial for manufacturing, infrastructure development, national security needs, and energy transition initiatives.
