2023: Schweikert Voted To Boost Domestic Critical Mineral Supplies Through Increased Mining And By Allowing The EPA To Temporarily Waive Certain Pollution Regulations At Certain Critical Energy Resource Facilities. In March 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the Lower Energy Costs Act, which, "To address critical mineral supply, the bill would require the Energy Department to conduct ongoing assessments of and develop strategies to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical energy resources, including through increased mining and processing and permit the EPA to temporarily waive certain pollution regulation requirements for processing and refining projects at critical energy resource facilities to address supply chain concerns. It would make coal and critical mineral mining projects eligible for certain expedited infrastructure permitting processes; provide for appointment of a lead agency to coordinate the permitting process for mineral exploration; and limit the withdrawal of federal lands and waters from mineral leasing." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 225 to 204, thus the bill was sent to the Senate for their consideration. [House Vote 182, 3/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 3/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Expand The U.S. Geological Survey's List Of Critical Minerals. In November 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill that would amend the Energy Act of 2020 to include critical materials in the definition of critical minerals. The bill would place onto the U.S. Geological Survey's list of critical minerals, any non-fuel mineral, element, substance or material deemed to be a critical material by the Energy Department." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 245 to 155. [House Vote 462, 11/14/24; Congressional Quarterly, 11/14/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8446]