Streamlining Critical Mineral Permitting Act

The Streamlining Critical Mineral Permitting Act would modify the Solid Waste Disposal Act to let owners or operators of facilities that process or refine so-called “critical energy resources” obtain an interim hazardous waste permit under subtitle C, with final approval still resting with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. The bill defines “critical energy resource” as any energy resource deemed essential to the U.S. energy sector and whose supply chain could be disrupted, and “critical energy resource facility” as a facility that processes or refines such resources. In short, it aims to speed up the permitting process for these facilities by allowing an interim permit to operate while the full permit awaits final EPA approval, thereby potentially accelerating development of critical mineral infrastructure while preserving EPA oversight.