Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore, representing Utah, has introduced the Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 in an effort to bolster American mining and restore domestic energy independence. The legislation was introduced alongside Congressman Jefferson Shreve from Indiana.

The proposed bill seeks to counter a rule suggested by the Biden Administration in 2023 that limits minerals eligible for expedited permitting in the United States. By blocking this rule, the new legislation aims to streamline the permitting process for critical minerals such as copper and iron, ensuring these resources can be efficiently mined and refined domestically.

"The U.S. domestic mining industry is critical to our national security and energy dominance," stated Congressman Moore. He highlighted that in Utah alone, mining supports over 43,000 jobs and contributes more than $5.2 billion annually to the state’s GDP. Moore emphasized the need for a permitting process that matches growing mineral demand.

Congressman Shreve criticized the Biden Administration's proposed rule for undermining American mining and diverting essential mineral production to China. "My bill pushes back to protect American energy and eliminate reliance on our adversaries," he said.

Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Westerman, supported the initiative stating that America’s mineral production is among the cleanest globally. He commended Congressman Shreve's efforts in streamlining the permitting process to reduce dependence on foreign minerals.

Richard Russell from the National Mining Association praised Representatives Shreve and Moore for their leadership. He noted that this act would enhance timeliness, predictability, and transparency in federal environmental reviews related to infrastructure projects including mining.