EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Jul 9, 2026)
Environmental Monitoring and Remediation Technology Assessment Initiative Authorization Act of 2026 or the EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026
This provides statutory authority for an initiative within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that recovers critical materials from contaminated sites.
A critical material means (1) any non-fuel mineral, element, substance, or material that the Department of Energy determines has a high risk of a supply chain disruption and serves an essential function in energy technologies; and (2) any critical mineral. A critical mineral means any mineral, element, substance, or material designated as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Under the program, the EPA must investigate, evaluate, and support processes, methods, and systems which may be used to identify sources of critical materials at contaminated sites and recover such critical materials from those sites. In carrying out the program, the EPA may provide assistance (e.g., awards) to persons, nonprofit organizations, and state, local, and tribal government entities.
The bill prohibits the EPA from providing assistance (1) in an amount that exceeds $10 million in any fiscal year in the aggregate; or (2) to any person, nonprofit organization, or government entity, in an amount that exceeds $3 million.
The bill terminates the program after 10 years.
What just happenedSep 16, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateSep 16, 2026
- Engrossed in HouseSep 15, 2026
- Reported in HouseSep 14, 2026
- Introduced in HouseJul 9, 2026
- Sep 16, 2026IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Environment and Public Works Committee - Sep 15, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 15, 2026FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5682)
- Sep 15, 2026Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 15, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9616.
- Sep 15, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5682-5683)
- Sep 15, 2026FloorH30300
Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Sep 14, 2026CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 720.
- Sep 14, 2026CommitteeH12200
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-821.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Sep 14, 2026Committee5000
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-821.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jul 21, 2026Committee
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jul 21, 2026Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jul 20, 2026Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jul 14, 2026Committee
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Environment Subcommittee - Jul 14, 2026Committee
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Environment Subcommittee - Jul 9, 2026IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jul 9, 2026Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
Environment Subcommittee - Jul 9, 2026IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jul 9, 2026IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House