Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski might be heavily criticized by some Republicans for her vote to impeach Donald Trump as President, but she had the support of Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford this week.
Together, they introduced legislation to improve the quality and timeliness of federal permitting and review processes of critical mineral production on federal land.
In an announcement, Sen. Lankford explained the current federal permitting process has been an impediment to mineral production and the mineral security of the United States. Permitting times in the US rank among some of the longest in the world and are a threat to our national security and economy.
“Bad actors and human rights abusers like China continue to control the market on key minerals Americans use every day in batteries, smart phones, cars, and more,” said Lankford. “The US and our allies have an opportunity to take the lead on responsibly sourcing these materials and moving that supply chain in a stable direction, but some in the Biden Administration want to limit US energy and mineral production and prefer to rely on Russia and China.
He said it’s time the US should open up mineral leasing including on federal lands to make sure the country can access its own supply and use it along with the nation’s strategic allies.
“We can press our advantage in the mineral supply chain now to ensure we can continue to access these key technology components for US innovation,” added Sen. Lankford.
Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), James Risch (R-ID), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) are original cosponsors of the bill.
The legislation improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal permitting and review process by requiring federal agencies to:
· Establish clear timelines for decisions regarding applications, operating plans, leases, licenses, permits, and other use authorizations for critical mineral-related activities on Federal land.
· Create clear, quantifiable permitting performance goals and to track progress toward those goals.
· Engage in early collaboration with agencies, stakeholders, projects sponsors, and to consult with State, local, and Tribal governments to resolve concerns.
· Provide clear and logical ways to make the process more cost-effective and timely.