Laws and Regulations
Listed here find new laws and regulations focused on critical minerals and rare earth elements policies.
FY 2026 Budget Justification -- U.S. Department of Energy
DOE funds Critical Mineral and Material Research and Development
In the FY 2026 budget justification to Congress, the US Department of Energy prioritizes critical materials in various programs including the Offices of Science, EERE and Fossil Energy.
The Mineral Production and Processing Technologies program will support American minerals dominance by advancing technologies to support development of the domestic supply chain networks required for the economically sustainable and geopolitically secure production and processing of critical minerals and materials (CMM).
The program will also develop advanced mining technologies and solutions that can enable more “laparoscopic” approaches to mining, which will enable at least a tenfold reduction in the amount of waste material produced on the surface of a mine site.
Find more at: https://www.energy.gov/cfo/articles/fy-2026-budget-justification
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
May 24, 2025
The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing on Trade in Critical Supply Chains.
On May 24th, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing on trade in critical supply chains. Among the topics discussed was China’s dominance in the trade of critical minerals. Gracelin Baskaran, Ph.D., the director for critical minerals security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, gave testimony on this issue, explaining what steps the US can take to reduce China’s grip on the market. In this, Dr. Baskaran laid out several policy positions, especially stressing that the US will need to lead a coalition of likeminded allies in building a secure critical minerals supply chain. On top of this, Ms. Baskaran also argued that the US must adopt a more strategic and pragmatic approach to mineral policy—starting with smarter tariff design and integrating offtake requirements that prioritize American firms. Dr. Baskaran also urged early investments in vertical integration and called for a broader focus beyond mining, emphasizing the need to build the full infrastructure ecosystem required for processing and production. Finally, Dr. Baskaran recommended establishing wide-reaching incentives to support the long-term growth and resilience of the domestic industry. Dr. Baskaran's testimony made one thing clear: with the right leadership and global coordination, this goal is within reach.
Find more at: [2025-05-14] Hearing: Trade in Critical Supply Chains | The United States Senate Committee on Finance
EO on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products
April 15, 2025
Executive Order on "Ensuring National Security and Economic Resilience Through Section 232 Actions on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products."
The President continues to focus on the crucial issue of a sustainable domestic supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
Find more at: White House Executive Order
EO on Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Produc
March 20, 2025
March 20, 2025
Executive Order on "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production"
On March 20th, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at securing the domestic mineral supply chain and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries. The order seeks to strengthen U.S. mineral production by cutting regulations, expediting permitting, and opening federal lands for mining. It also directs federal agencies to identify and prioritize mineral projects that can be quickly and effectively operationalized. Additionally, the order emphasizes collaboration between the public and private sectors by streamlining regulatory processes to support domestic mineral development.
Find more at: White House Executive Order
U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
May 12, 2025
On March 12th, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on several bills aimed at boosting domestic critical mineral production. These proposals focus on streamlining the mining and refining process, including aligning the Department of Interior’s and Department of Energy’s mineral lists and easing the permitting process for mining on federal lands.
The panel featured three industry leaders who emphasized the vast, untapped potential of U.S. mineral resources. They particularly stressed that the lengthy and complex permitting process for mining on federal land significantly hinders production.
As the demand for critical minerals grows, these legislative efforts could play a key role in strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign sources. The discussion underscored the urgent need for reform to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global mineral market.
Find more at: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/3/full-committee-hearing-to-receive-testimony-on-pending-bill