Important legislation could fall victim to the election campaign.
In the USA, projects for renewable and conventional energies, as well as critical minerals, could benefit from an accelerated approval process in future. After Zambia, the United States is one of the countries where the construction of new mines takes a particularly long time: up to 29 years, as S&P Global writes in a study. The Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Joe Manchin, presented a draft for a bipartisan bill on Monday that is intended to remedy the situation. The outdated system inhibits economic growth, geopolitical strength and the ability to reduce emissions, Manchin said. The current legislation is a significant obstacle to investment in the USA and a reason why the country is increasingly dependent on foreign imports, commented the American Exploration & Mining Association.
According to The Hill, it is questionable whether the bill can be passed this year, as it was published relatively shortly before lawmakers leave Washington for August recess. The hot phase of the US presidential election will then begin in September.