WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined her colleagues in introducing legislation aimed at improving the quality and timeliness of federal permitting and review processes with respect to critical mineral production on federal land.

“It’s past time we stop outsourcing our nation’s critical mineral supply when states like West Virginia have the resources and capacity to produce them right here at home,” Senator Capito said. “This bill would bring much-needed permitting reform and put in place better procedures that not only improve efficiency, but also put America’s economic and national security interests first.”

The legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), would improve 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.

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