Updated July 15, 2026      

Background: Mining for energy transition minerals and other critical minerals is expanding rapidly. These minerals are essential components for AI infrastructure, the weapons industry and the energy transition to solar, wind and electric batteries. Yet mining for them is governed by an 1872 law that fails to protect public lands and surrounding communities from harm. More than a century of reckless mining has poisoned air, water and land and has disproportionately impacted Indigenous communities. 

One proposed bill, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (MRCA), would further limit the regulation of mining on public lands and allow mining companies to dump toxic waste without local consultation. Companies could also construct roads and pipelines through environmentally and culturally sensitive lands without a permit.

Several members of Congress want to attach the MRCA to must-pass legislation or to energy permitting bills.

An alternative bill, the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act, would mandate strong environmental protections, encourage battery recycling, prioritize local consultation, and protect sacred sites.

Faith Reflection: We are called by God to love our neighbors. How can we be silent when the water and land our neighbors depend on is being poisoned? As part of God's Creation, our attitude toward the Earth should be one of humility and care, rather than blind extraction.  

Action: Urge Congress to oppose the MRCA and pass the Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act

Photo above: The Chemetall Foote Lithium Operation in Clayton Valley, Nevada. Photo by PDTillman, Creative Commons 2.0