National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2013

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the so-called ``National Strategic and Critical Minerals Protection Act,'' a bill that has very little to do with development of rare earth elements or minerals that are vulnerable to supply disruption.

The bill before us today is so broadly drafted that it would reduce or eliminate environmental review for almost all type of mines on public land, including common materials like sand, clay, and gravel. It needlessly limits judicial review of mining activities. And it arbitrarily prioritizes mining over every other use of public lands, including hunting, fishing, grazing, and conservation.

If the majority would like to encourage production of truly strategic and critical minerals on public lands, we should work together on a targeted solution that develops our natural resources while protecting our environment. Today's bill is not that solution. I urge a no vote.

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