EMA Applauds Introduction of American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act

Arlington, Va., Jun 26, 2025 — The Essential Minerals Association (EMA) today announced its strong support for the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK). The legislation would streamline federal permitting under the Natural Gas Act, the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act — reforms that are long overdue for the minerals industry.

"America's infrastructure deficit is the product of decades of bureaucratic delay, duplicative review, and regulatory uncertainty that has made it nearly impossible to develop the domestic minerals production our economy depends on," said Chris Greissing, EMA president. "The American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act fixes that by bringing together commonsense, bipartisan permitting reforms — from incorporating water quality review into FERC's unified NEPA process to modernizing environmental review so it's rigorous but not endless — ensuring federal permitting serves the public interest, not the interests of those who profit from obstruction."

EMA represents producers and processors of the minerals that underpin American manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and energy production. Member companies depend on workable federal permitting to maintain operations, invest in domestic production, and support the supply chains that keep the American economy running. The bill's reforms — including hardrock mining regulatory clarity, nationwide permit improvements, and strict timelines for agency action — would directly benefit mineral producers and the communities that rely on them.

"Permitting dysfunction doesn't just delay projects — it drives investment overseas and puts American mineral production at a competitive disadvantage," Greissing said. "This legislation gives our members the regulatory certainty they need to plan, invest, and build. We urge the Senate to move quickly."

The American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act incorporates provisions with demonstrated bipartisan support in the House, including reforms modeled on legislation that passed with votes from both parties. EMA urges Senate leadership to prioritize the bill and advance it without delay.

The Essential Minerals Association (EMA) is a trade association representing industrial mineral producers in New York State and North America. EMA's membership includes producers of salt, anthracite, talc, bentonite, calcium carbonate, kaolin, silica, soda ash, zinc, and other critical minerals, as well as equipment manufacturers, transportation companies, and exploration-stage companies. For more information, visit essentialminerals.org.

#