Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

H.R. 1501 would amend the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) to include mining as a covered project eligible for expedited federal permitting review. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process for critical minerals like copper and iron by making mining projects eligible for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council process, which coordinates federal agencies to improve efficiency and transparency in environmental reviews and authorizations. The legislation would block a proposed rule from the Biden administration that limited which minerals could qualify for expedited permitting. Supporters argue this would provide regulatory certainty for mining companies and support domestic mineral production, while opponents raise concerns about potential impacts on environmental protections and public lands management. The bill has received a subcommittee hearing but has not yet advanced further in the legislative process.