Congressman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) introduced the Saving America’s Mines Act, legislation that will prohibit any administration from unilaterally halting the mining of critical minerals on federal lands where mining is currently permissible.
“America needs the copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum-group elements that exist on our lands for infrastructure, modern energy technology, national defense and for applications in our everyday life like cell phones, refrigerators and batteries,” Stauber said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce legislation to prevent this administration, and future administrations, from eliminating important mining jobs and stalling our economic engine.”
The Saving America’s Mines Act will specifically require an Act of Congress to withdraw any public land from mining, ensuring an Administration cannot make this decision alone.
“On behalf of the 400 members of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, I applaud Rep. Pete Stauber for introducing the Saving America’s Mines (SAM) Act,” said Michele Stanley, NSSGA vice president of government and regulatory affairs. “This legislation provides needed certainty for aggregates operators who supply communities on and near federal lands with essential construction materials.
“Stone, sand and gravel are critical to the livelihoods of every American as they are the bedrock in the creation of buildings, roads, airports and bridges and are mined in 11,000 facilities across the United States. They are also indispensable in developing the infrastructure needed to access clean water, deliver reliable energy and advance environmental stewardship. The SAM Act is the right step to help ensure sustainable access to aggregates that will help build a better America.
“NSSGA urges members to support this important piece of legislation that will positively impact all aggregates operations and the more than 100,000 highly-skilled workers they employ. NSSGA will continue to work with Congressional stakeholders on both sides of the aisle to advance safe and effective infrastructure policies for our country.”