The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing yesterday on S.1600, the Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2013. The hearing was webcast and recorded. You can watch the entire 2-1/2 hour proceedings online at
http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings-and-business-meetings?ID=e42aa3f2-dc0a-4395-8377-0665c856ff5a [Right, screen shot of Sen. Lisa Murkowski from the webcast]
A summary from AAAS says the bill "would address the ability of the U.S. to protect its stock of up to 20 minerals (e.g., lithium). The legislation, the Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2013, would authorize the Department of Interior to identify and track critical mineral deposits crucial for U.S. defense, energy, and commercial needs. In addition, it would direct the Department of Energy to conduct research into alternative minerals."
Wouldn't it be nice if miners were actually allowed to mine without having to go through such a lengthy permitting process? I mean really, we have to have it run over a decade and they are still not done for Rosemont? Too many agencies are involved with their own little kingdoms to protect and who suffers? Workers and ultimately the public. To cumbersome and to archaic.
ReplyDeleteFor example: there are 7 agencies that are involved with salmon. Why? Isnt one good enough. The truth is that when any agency has a program and it is obsolete it still stays and people get paid. Rural electrification authority still has staff and a payroll. Lets get real here that agency was formed in the 20's/ Who doesn't have electricity now? Point taken?