Mining Regulatory Clarity Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary reported to house (Nov 25, 2025)
Mining Regulatory Clarity Act
This bill allows mining operators to use federal lands for activities ancillary to mining, such as waste disposal, regardless of whether those lands contain mineral deposits valuable enough to be mined (mineral validity). It also establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund.
The bill addresses a 2022 decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit related to the Rosemont Copper Mine in Arizona (commonly known as the Rosemont decision, described further in CRS Report R48166). The court held that mining claims are only allowed where mineral validity has been established and that mill site claims are more appropriate means for establishing a mining waste disposal site under the Mining Act.
The bill allows a mining operator to (1) locate and include within its plan of operations as many mill site claims (e.g., areas for waste rock disposal) as are reasonably necessary for its operations, and (2) use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations.
Additionally, the bill requires any revenue generated from fees for such mill site claims to be deposited into the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The Department of the Interior must use the fund for certain abandoned hardrock mine reclamation activities.
What just happenedMar 17, 2026
Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 357.
Who’s behind it
- Placed on Calendar SenateMar 17, 2026
- Engrossed in HouseDec 18, 2025
- Reported in HouseNov 25, 2025
- Introduced in HouseFeb 14, 2025
- Mar 17, 2026Calendars
Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 357.
- Dec 18, 2025IntroReferral
Received in the Senate.
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH37100
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 198 (Roll no. 358). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H6044)
- Dec 18, 2025Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 198 (Roll no. 358).
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH36210
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 205 - 213 (Roll no. 357).
Natural Resources Committee - Dec 18, 2025FloorH30000
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6069-6070)
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH8D000
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 1366, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Leger Fernandez demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH8A000
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH36200
Ms. Leger Fernandez moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H6049)
Natural Resources Committee - Dec 18, 2025FloorH35000
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1366.
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH8D000
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
- Dec 18, 2025FloorH30000
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 951. (consideration: CR H6044-6049)
- Dec 16, 2025FloorH1L210
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 951 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
- Nov 25, 2025CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 336.
- Nov 25, 2025CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-386.
Natural Resources Committee - Nov 25, 2025Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-386.
Natural Resources Committee - Sep 17, 2025Committee
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 17.
Natural Resources Committee - Sep 17, 2025Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Natural Resources Committee - Sep 17, 2025Committee
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Natural Resources Committee - Sep 3, 2025Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee - Aug 29, 2025Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee - Feb 14, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Natural Resources Committee - Feb 14, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Feb 14, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House