House passes bill fast-tracking mining on federal lands

The House voted 224-195 to pass H.R. 4090 on February 4, 2026. The vote broke largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing. Rep. PSPete Stauber (R-MN) sponsored the legislation. The House Committee on Natural Resources reported the bill by a record vote of 8-4 on February 2, 2026, showing similar partisan division.

The bill's main requirement directs the Interior Department to identify priority mining projects on federal lands within 10 days of enactment. This extremely short timeline limits Interior's ability to conduct thorough review of environmental impacts, tribal concerns, or competing land uses. Once projects are identified, Interior must 'take all necessary and appropriate steps to expedite' their approval.

Interior must suspend, revise, or rescind any agency actions that place 'undue burdens' on mining projects. This gives the department broad authority to weaken or eliminate environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and review processes. The bill doesn't define 'undue burdens,' leaving interpretation to Interior officials. This could include National Environmental Policy Act reviews, Endangered Species Act consultations, or Clean Water Act permitting.

The legislation covers hardrock mining on National Forest System land, public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and any land that may be leased for hardrock mineral exploration and production. This includes millions of acres across the western United States. Hardrock minerals include copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements used in batteries, electronics, and clean energy technology.

The bill requires Interior to recommend changes to current law necessary to expand U.S. production of hardrock minerals. Interior must also review state and local laws that impede development of domestic mining and mineral exploration projects. This provision signals federal preemption of state environmental regulations and local zoning that restrict mining. States would lose autonomy over mining policy on federal lands within their borders.

Supporters frame the bill as essential for national security and reducing foreign dependence, particularly on China. China controls significant portions of global supply chains for rare earth elements and battery minerals. The mining industry and labor groups view expanding domestic production as critical for electric vehicle manufacturing, defense applications, and clean energy infrastructure. They argue current permitting takes too long and makes U.S. mining uncompetitive.

Democrats and environmental groups oppose the measure, citing potential undermining of environmental protections. The bill lacks requirements for tribal consultation despite many proposed mining sites being on or near tribal lands. Environmental reviews under NEPA typically take years and involve public comment, endangered species assessments, and water quality analysis. Fast-tracking removes these safeguards. Opponents argue the bill prioritizes corporate profits over environmental protection and tribal sovereignty.

The partisan vote reflects broader tensions between environmental protection and economic development. Republicans emphasize supply chain security, economic growth, and reducing Chinese control of mineral markets. Democrats prioritize environmental review, tribal consultation, and protecting public lands from degradation. The 224-195 vote shows little middle ground on how to balance these competing priorities.