Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani from Arizona has reintroduced a bill aimed at strengthening the domestic supply of critical minerals by aligning definitions used by different federal agencies. The legislation, known as the Critical Mineral Consistency Act (H.R. 755), seeks to harmonize the lists of Critical Materials defined by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Critical Minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Currently, materials listed as critical by the DOE do not receive the same benefits as those on the USGS list, which focuses more extensively on energy-related resources. By adding DOE's Critical Materials to USGS' list, Ciscomani's bill intends to eliminate discrepancies between these definitions and ensure both categories receive equal treatment.

"Arizona leads the way in the production of Critical Minerals, which are key to our economy, national security, and clean energy technologies," said Congressman Ciscomani. He emphasized that his legislation would "ensure parity between U.S. Geological Survey Critical Minerals and Department of Energy materials lists."

The bipartisan effort is supported by Congresswoman Susie Lee from Nevada, who stated, "Accessing critical minerals and materials is essential for our national security and energy grid." She added that government red tape should not hinder development and innovation.

Several organizations have expressed their support for this legislation, including the Transformer Manufacturing Association of America (TMAA), Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), Copper Development Association (CDA), and National Mining Association (NMA).

Rich Nolan, president and CEO of NMA, commented on the importance of this act: "The Critical Mineral Consistency Act is a win for American miners, for domestic supply chain security." Adam Estelle, President & CEO of CDA also praised Rep. Ciscomani for introducing this legislation again.

In previous congressional sessions, similar legislation passed in the House with a vote tally of 245-155. The current initiative aims to address differences in methodologies used by DOE and USGS when compiling their respective lists.

Copper, electrical steel, fluorine, silicon, and silicon carbide are currently classified as Critical Materials but not as Critical Minerals under existing definitions.