2023: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Boosting 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,
Fitzpatrick voted against 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: Fitzpatrick Voted To Expand The U.S. Geological Survey's List Of
Critical Minerals. In November 2024, Fitzpatrick 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]