The gist

Fast-tracks federal permits for U.S. mining projects backed by the Pentagon to secure critical minerals used in weapons, electronics, and military vehicles.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: domestic mining companies, defense contractors, the Department of Defense seeking secure mineral supply chains.
• Loses: environmental review advocates worried about compressed timelines; foreign mineral suppliers like China.

What it does

• Treats Defense Production Act mining actions as 'covered projects' under the FAST Act, skipping normal qualification rules.
• Adds these projects to the public federal Permitting Dashboard for coordinated agency review.
• Covers feasibility studies, byproduct production, and modernization of mining and mineral processing facilities.
• Lets project sponsors opt out of the fast-track process if they choose.

Why should I care?

Critical minerals power phones, electric vehicles, and military gear, but the U.S. imports most of them. Supporters say faster permits reduce dependence on China and boost national security. Critics argue compressing environmental review for industrial mining risks pollution and harms communities near mine sites. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.