“For quite some time there has been bipartisan recognition in Washington, D.C. and overwhelming support among the general public that we must be able to mine, manufacture, and produce energy more efficiently right here at home. We are appreciative of the bipartisan hard work and dedication that resulted in this legislation to improve our federal permitting system so we can get building in America again, starting with the minerals and metals that are the beginning of the supply chain for every sector of our economy. The best time to pass permitting reform legislation was years ago. The second best time is now. We urge Congress to swiftly approve the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026.”

“It is disappointing to see the Minnesota governor playing politics with people’s lives. To dismiss the rigorous, science-based permitting process of his own Department of Natural Resources shows a complete lack of respect for the rule of law and the people of the Iron Range. Similar to the EPA’s past use of pre-emptive vetoes, actions like this will make it impossible for the United States to secure our critical mineral supply chains and compete in the global economy. It’s time to end the unfounded political attacks on modern mining, and allow science and facts to win the day.”

“We are grateful for the many months and long hours that have gone into the development of this proposal,” said AEMA Executive Director Mark Compton. “The new WOTUS rule takes huge steps to provide the clarity and certainty that America’s hardrock mining industry needs.  We need a rule that complies with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and eliminates the regulatory ping-pong.  As we finish our review, we will look forward to providing feedback to EPA and the Corps.”

“AEMA welcomes President Trump’s nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management,” said AEMA Executive Director Mark Compton. “Steve is a westerner with a deep understanding of the value of responsible multiple uses on public lands. We look forward to working with him once again to create a stable, predictable regulatory environment that will lead to a stronger domestic mineral industry, and we urge a speedy confirmation process in the Senate.”

The Conservation and Landscape Health rule tried to rewrite FLPMA and place conservation ‘on par’ with the principal major uses, which was plainly illegal. Congress enacted FLPMA, and only Congress has the authority to change it. We are confident our lawsuit would have been successful, but we are encouraged this administration has chosen a better path firmly rooted in the multiple use mandate.

AEMA welcomes the U.S. Forest Service announcement that they intend to publish the Final EIS and Draft Record of Decision for the Resolution Copper project in Arizona. This is a significant step towards securing our mineral supply chains and meeting skyrocketing demand, and we congratulate Resolution Copper for their steadfast commitment to do it right. 

AEMA celebrates today’s passage of the bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hard Rock Mines Act, the culmination of nearly three decades of work by a broad range of stakeholders.

Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, a bipartisan and commonsense bill that is a win for the environment, the Good Samaritan, the community and for society.

The American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement from Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso of a bipartisan permitting reform package.