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Wittman Joins Commonsense Legislation to Fix Outdated Mine Permitting Processes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee, announced his support for the Permitting for Mining Needs (PERMIT-MN) Act. This legislation, introduced by Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), would streamline the permitting process for mining projects nationwide to secure cleaner, safer domestic mineral supply chains.

“Our nation has a vast range of critical minerals and materials that remain untouched and in the ground due to burdensome regulations and endless litigation from mining opponents. This hinderance harms U.S. independence and national security by making us reliant on a global supply chain largely controlled and exploited by our adversaries who care little for the environment. This legislation is an important step in cutting red tape to strengthen our nation’s mineral supply chain. We must work to establish a more reliable domestic source of critical minerals and independence from malicious actors like the Chinese Communist Party.

“I appreciate Congressman Stauber’s leadership in introducing this legislation, and I look forward to us working toward restoring American mineral dominance and strengthening our overall supply chains and national security.”

The PERMIT-MN Act:

  1. Creates certainty for miners by setting time limits on reviews and qualifying mining projects for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council Dashboard.
  2.  Stops frivolous litigation by banning lawsuits filed well after the decision has been published.
  3. Cuts red tape by designating a lead agency and authorizing Memorandums of Understanding between sponsors and state and local governments.
Full text of the bill can be found here.