House Passes Permitting Reform: An Overdue Win for the Minerals Industry

Arlington, Va., Dec. 18, 2025 – The House of Representatives today passed two bills that will bring about much needed change to the federal permitting process, which has long hindered investment and development by the U.S. minerals industry. These bills clarify environmental review processes and provide assurance that federal lands can be used for activities that support domestic mineral production.

“The passage of the SPEED Act and the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act represents a pivotal step forward for America’s critical mineral supply chain and our national competitiveness. These bills will help streamline permitting processes while maintaining strong environmental safeguards so that the United States can responsibly develop the essential minerals needed for advanced technologies, manufacturing, clean energy infrastructure, and economic growth, said Chris Greissing, Essential Minerals Association president. “We commend the House for its leadership and urge the Senate to act swiftly so these reforms can become law and deliver real benefits to American workers, manufacturers, and the communities that rely on mineral development.”

The Standardizing and Expediting, Economic Development (SPEED) Act, H.R. 4776, amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to clarify ambiguous provisions and facilitate a more efficient, effective, and timely environmental review process. The legislation simplifies the analysis required in NEPA documents so agencies can reach conclusions in a more timely manner. The bill also includes much needed judicial review limitations, including a 150-day deadline for filing claims.

The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act, H.R. 1366, restores regulatory clarity and stability for domestic hardrock mining projects by establishing a new category of mill sites to ensure operators can use approved federal lands for activities that support domestic mining and mineral production. The legislation overturns the Rosemont decision from 2022 that limited the Forest Service’s ability to approve support activities necessary for conducting mining operations on federal land.

These two bills follow last week’s House passage of the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, H.R. 3898, which streamlines permitting under the Clean Water Act. All three bills represent reforms that will reduce the regulatory burden on mineral producers wishing to operate production and processing facilities in the United States and lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign mineral sources.

The Essential Minerals Association (EMA) is the representative voice for companies that extract and process a vital and beneficial group of raw materials and minerals, which are the essential ingredients for many of the products used in everyday life. Formerly, the Industrial Minerals Association – North America, EMA ensures that the voices of its member companies and the socio-economic benefits they provide – from mining to end-use products – are heard by government leaders as well as the general public. Visit essentialminerals.org to learn more.

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