Earlier this month, I testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee on the urgent need for durable permitting reform and the importance of legislation like the bipartisan Securing Permitting for Energy and Essential Development (SPEED) Act, H.R. 4776 and the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act. At a time when America’s energy and mineral needs are surging, the question before Congress is whether we will finally choose to meet those needs here at home or continue standing in our own way.
The Permitting Roadblock
A recent S&P Global analysis found it takes an average of 29 years to bring a new mine online — from discovery to production — in the United States, which is unacceptable if we expect to compete globally. This compares with about 20 years in Australia and even shorter timelines in Canada, both of which have comparable environmental, labor and safety standards as the U.S. Looking at permitting alone, the Resolution Copper project, which could supply as much as 25 percent of U.S. copper needs along with a range of additional minerals, has been in the permitting process since 2013 and remains tied up in seemingly endless legal challenges. Inefficiencies and litigation delays prolong uncertainty, deter investment and leave the U.S. more reliant on foreign suppliers who operate under far less stringent standards.
This is where smart legislation comes in. The SPEED Act offers a durable framework for permitting reform that ensures environmental protections remain robust while also moving projects forward.And the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act ensures that companies can conduct responsible mining activities on federal lands, as they always have.
America’s Demand is Growing Faster Than Supply
Energy demand is accelerating at a pace not seen in decades. U.S. electricity demand is projected to double by 2050, driven by data centers, electrification and industrial growth. To meet this demand, we need every megawatt on the grid today and far more tomorrow. The answer to meet the demand is right there in front of us — coal as an on-demand, fuel-secure power source is indispensable in meeting this not-so-far-away energy challenge.
At the same time, demand for U.S.-mined materials is skyrocketing. These resources are essential for manufacturing, energy, infrastructure and the advanced technologies shaping our future. If America intends to lead in artificial intelligence, semiconductor production and next-generation energy systems, we must expand access to the raw materials that make it all possible. This isn’t just economic policy. It’s a matter of national security.
A Path Forward
The U.S. has the workforce, the resources and the know-how to meet its energy and mineral needs domestically. What we lack is a permitting system designed for the 21st century. By modernizing this system, Congress has the opportunity to unlock investment, strengthen our economy and ensure our nation’s energy security.
Legislation like the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act and the SPEED Act represent the kind of bipartisan, durable solutions America needs, proving a framework that supports both strong environmental standards and the efficiency needed to move projects forward.
The mining industry supports these bills and stands ready to collaborate with Congress across party lines to implement meaningful and enduring permitting reforms that will reestablish America as an industrial powerhouse. This effort begins with mining and energy production at home.
If we take bold action now, we can ensure that American workers, American resources and American innovation power the future.