NMA Applauds Critical Minerals Legislation to Streamline Permitting Process to Boost Jobs, Economy
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Hal Quinn
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National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Hal Quinn has issued the following statement on the introduction of the “National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2017” by Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) in partnership with Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.):
“The U.S. mining industry applauds Sen. Heller and Rep. Amodei for introducing this important legislation, which addresses a key issue for the country’s future economic growth and job creation. The U.S. is blessed with abundant mineral wealth essential for our basic infrastructure needs, our national defense systems and the consumer products we use every day. Yet we are burdened by a painfully slow mine permitting process that can take seven to 10 years.
“The result places the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage and forces us to increasingly rely on foreign producers for minerals we can produce domestically. Our dependence on foreign minerals has doubled in the past 20 years. Today, less than half of the mineral needs of U.S. manufacturing are met from domestically mined minerals, a trend that will only worsen unless we reform the permitting process responsible for it. Our broken permitting process also hinders the creation of high-wage jobs supported by minerals mining.
“This legislation carefully addresses the deficiencies of our outdated and underperforming permitting system. It provides for efficient, timely and thorough permit reviews and incorporates best practices for coordination between state and federal agencies.
“Using our country’s minerals responsibly and efficiently is a bi-partisan priority for putting Americans — including our miners — back to work. NMA urges Congress to support this common-sense legislation designed to make the most of our skilled workforce and abundant wealth of natural resources.”
About NMA
The National Mining Association (NMA) is U.S. mining’s advocate in Washington, D.C. and beyond. NMA is the only national trade organization that represents the interests of mining before congress, the administration, federal agencies, the judiciary and the media — providing a clear voice for U.S. mining. NMA’s mission is to build support for public policies that will help America fully and responsibly utilize its coal and mineral resources. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NMA has a membership of more than 300 corporations and organizations involved in various aspects of mining. NMA provides a forum for these diverse industry segments to be informed, heard and represented.
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