Michigan
House Committee Advances Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 to Secure Critical Minerals
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Key points
- The House Committee on Natural Resources approved HR 9640, the Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026.
- The bill authorizes $84 million through fiscal year 2031 for USGS critical minerals mapping.
- Representative Rob Wittman introduced the bipartisan legislation alongside Representative Debbie Dingell.
NewsWK — Federal lawmakers are moving forward with legislation to map critical domestic mineral deposits. The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources approved measure HR 9640 to bolster national energy independence. Specifically, the Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends mapping programs across the country.
What does the Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 do for national resource security?
The bill reauthorizes the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative under the U.S. Geological Survey to identify essential underground resources. Because reliable mineral mapping protects domestic supply chains, this effort supports key industries. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $84,000,000 in federal funding from fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2031.
How does the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative expand technological tools?
Under the proposal, federal mappers will employ advanced geophysical sensing technologies and digital geochemistry. Also, teams will use near real-time data acquisition systems and data-driven analytical tools. Therefore, officials can better locate critical minerals, geothermal energy, and natural hydrogen systems. Meanwhile, the bill links these efforts with the USGS 3D Hydrography Program.
How did Rob Wittman HR 9640 advance through the House?
U.S. Representative Rob Wittman, a Virginia Republican, introduced the bill on July 9, 2026. Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell served as the primary Democratic co-sponsor. Then, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, led by Representative Pete Stauber, held a hearing on July 21, 2026. That session began at 10:15 a.m. in Room 1324 of the Longworth House Office Building. Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman guided the full committee markup. Consequently, lawmakers approved the measure on September 15, 2026, advancing the bill in the House. The legislation amends Section 40201 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (43 U.S.C. 31l). Furthermore, the measure aligns with Senate companion bill S. 4870 to strengthen USGS critical minerals mapping.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 Introduced in Congress
Related: House Resolution 1499 Clears Way for Critical Votes on Mining, Higher Education, and Maritime Rules
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