EPA program would mine polluted sites for critical materials

What does this do?

The bill creates an EPA program to fund research into finding and safely extracting "critical materials," like certain metals and minerals, from polluted sites, including Superfund sites. Funding decisions would weigh new domestic material sources, environmental cleanup, national security, and public health.

Who does it affect?

Companies, nonprofits, and state, local, or tribal governments could apply for funding; the EPA would run the program. Communities near contaminated sites and researchers in environmental cleanup fields would also be affected.

Why does it matter?

The program shifts new administrative responsibilities to the EPA and could influence how contaminated sites are studied and treated. It automatically ends after 10 years unless Congress renews it.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $10 million yearly program cap
• $3 million max per recipient
• Program ends after 10 years