November 14, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLean, VA— The Copper Development Association (CDA) commends the U.S. House of Representatives today for its strong bipartisan vote of 245-155 to pass HR 8446, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act, a critical step toward strengthening the nation’s mineral supply chain and ensuring the resilience of key industries. This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed clarity and consistency in the designation of critical minerals, including copper, which plays a pivotal role in the clean energy transition and national security.
"Critical Minerals are essential for our economy, national security, and clean energy technologies. As demand for these strategic resources continues to increase, the United States must ensure access to a reliable supply,” said U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), who sponsored the legislation. “My legislation, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act will ensure parity between U.S. Geological Survey critical minerals and Department of Energy materials lists to strengthen our domestic supply chain and include copper, electrical steel, silicon, and silicon carbide on the critical minerals list, a long overdue classification. I am proud to see my legislation pass out of the House of Representatives and look forward to its consideration in the Senate."
The Critical Mineral Consistency Act aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize critical mineral policies, such as the inclusion of copper in the 2025 U.S. Geological Survey’s Critical Minerals List. Copper’s unique properties—including its unparalleled conductivity, durability, and recyclability—make it essential for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and advanced defense technologies.
Key benefits of the legislation include:
- Streamlined Designation Processes: Standardized criteria for identifying critical minerals, ensuring resources like copper receive timely recognition.
- Enhanced Supply Chain Security: Provisions to reduce reliance on foreign imports by encouraging domestic mining, refining, and recycling efforts.
- Support for Clean Energy Goals: Recognition of copper’s role in renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, and electric grids.
“This vote highlights copper’s essential role in powering America’s energy future, electrifying transportation, creating jobs, and strengthening infrastructure,” said Adam Estelle, President and CEO of CDA. “We are especially grateful to Congressman Ciscomani for introducing this legislation, the bill’s cosponsors, the Congressional Copper Caucus, and our allied organizations (Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Transformer Manufacturing Association of America (TMAA), and National Mining Association (NMA)) for championing this effort. Their leadership ensures a stronger, more predictable strategy for domestic copper production and refining. This is a significant win for U.S. manufacturing, the clean energy transition, and our nation’s global competitiveness.”
CDA urges the Senate to follow suit and pass this legislation swiftly to solidify America’s mineral independence and fortify domestic mineral supply chains. CDA is grateful to Senators Sinema (I-AZ) and Lee (R-UT) who recently introduced companion bipartisan legislation, S. 5274 in the Senate.
For more information, visit: www.copper.org/copperage.
About Copper Development Association
Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA) is a U.S.-based, not-for-profit association of the global copper industry, bringing together the North American copper and copper alloy semis fabricators and global copper mining and production industries. CDA is committed to promoting the proper use of copper materials in sustainable, efficient applications for business, industry and the home.
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