Senate Republican Proposes Bill to Fast-Track Critical Minerals Mining, Counter China's Grip

WASHINGTON – In a strategic effort to bolster U.S. national security and reduce reliance on foreign imports, particularly from China, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has announced plans to introduce the Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act. This legislation aims to expedite the permitting process for mining projects deemed critical for military and defensive readiness by the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, by allowing them to bypass several environmental regulations.

The bill targets critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, graphite, and other rare earth elements, which are vital components in advanced defense technologies, including aircraft, missiles, and communication systems. By streamlining the approval process, the legislation seeks to cut through bureaucratic delays that often stall or halt domestic mining initiatives, ensuring the U.S. military has timely access to essential resources.

"Current environmental laws put our readiness to counter Communist China at risk and waste taxpayer dollars on projects that stall out and die on the vine," Sen. Cotton stated. "We need to ensure that our military has the resources it needs, when it needs them, to maintain our edge in global security."

The U.S. currently faces a significant challenge in its reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. China controls approximately 60% of the global supply of these minerals and processes up to 90%, creating a strategic vulnerability for the U.S. defense sector. This dependency has raised concerns about supply chain security, especially amid escalating geopolitical tensions with China.

Sen. Cotton’s bill is designed to counter this dominance by prioritizing domestic production. The legislation would allow mining projects deemed necessary for national defense to bypass key environmental laws, including:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Requires environmental impact assessments for federal projects.

• Endangered Species Act (ESA): Protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

• Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA): Safeguards marine mammals from human activities.

• Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act): Regulates water pollution and quality.

By exempting these projects from such regulations, the bill aims to prevent delays caused by lengthy permitting processes or judicial challenges, which Cotton argues hinder military preparedness.

The Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act aligns with broader White House initiatives to secure domestic sources of critical minerals. Recent executive actions have emphasized the importance of reducing foreign dependency, including a bid to purchase Greenland, a minerals agreement with Ukraine, and plans for offshore mining in the Gulf of America. These efforts reflect a national strategy to strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global defense landscape.

The bill also complements other legislative efforts, such as the Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025 (S.789), introduced by Sen. John Cornyn and others. While S.789 focuses on reporting and strategy development for critical minerals and rare earth elements, Cotton’s bill takes a more direct approach by addressing regulatory barriers to mining projects specifically tied to defense needs.

Proponents of the bill argue that it will not only enhance national security but also stimulate economic growth. By accelerating domestic mining, the legislation could create jobs in the mining sector, better equip the U.S. military, and ensure more efficient use of taxpayer funds. The focus on domestic production is seen as a critical step toward reducing reliance on adversarial nations like China, which could disrupt supply chains during conflicts.

However, the proposal to bypass environmental regulations is likely to spark significant debate. Environmental groups may argue that exempting mining projects from laws like NEPA and the ESA could lead to ecological damage, including habitat destruction and water pollution. These concerns highlight the tension between national security priorities and environmental protection, a debate that has surfaced in previous discussions about defense-related exemptions.

For instance, between 2003 and 2008, the Department of Defense sought exemptions from environmental laws, resulting in limited approvals from Congress, such as exemptions from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and certain provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Cotton’s bill, with its broader scope, may face similar scrutiny as lawmakers weigh the trade-offs.

As the Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act moves toward introduction, it will likely face a contentious legislative process. Supporters, including those aligned with the White House’s mineral security initiatives, will emphasize its importance for national defense and economic benefits. Critics, particularly environmental advocates, will raise concerns about the potential long-term impacts on ecosystems and wildlife.

The bill’s success will depend on its ability to navigate these competing interests while addressing the urgent need to secure critical minerals for U.S. defense. As global competition intensifies, particularly with China, the outcome of this legislation could play a pivotal role in shaping the U.S.’s strategic position.