Trash to Treasure: Examining Legislation to Support Domestic Critical Mineral Recovery and Recycling

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing on June 25, 2026, focused on legislation to support domestic critical mineral recovery and recycling. The discussion centered on seven bills aimed at eliminating regulatory barriers to strengthen the domestic recycling industry, establishing EPA leadership in interagency coordination, and supporting remediation of contaminated sites while recovering valuable minerals. Witnesses from industry, environmental science, and legal backgrounds highlighted challenges such as outdated regulations classifying lithium-ion batteries and their byproducts as waste, which hinders domestic processing and incentivizes shipping materials abroad, particularly to China. They advocated for regulatory reforms like the BRACE Act to reclassify valuable materials, streamline permitting, and enhance safety standards without compromising environmental protections. The hearing also emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for bills like the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act and the CHARM Act to promote innovation, economic development, and national security by reducing reliance on foreign critical mineral supply chains. Members discussed the need for extended producer responsibility programs, minimum recovery rates, and workforce development to bolster the domestic critical minerals circular economy.