In the near future, I will be introducing legislation which will clarify who can profit from the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals that are vital in the production of technological components and critical to national security. 
 
For decades, the Commonwealth has struggled with the negative environmental impact of coal mine drainage that has polluted our streams and watersheds. Although we have made progress in the clean-up of acid mine drainage, we still have a long way to go.  Through this legislation, it is my hope that Pennsylvania can become a leader in the extraction of vital critical minerals while incentivizing the treatment of acid mine drainage and environmental remediation. 
 
This legislation, modeled after a recently enacted West Virginia law, establishes that any party that treats mine drainage may derive commercial benefit from any elements or byproducts that are recovered as a result of extracting the treated material.  This clarification is aimed at encouraging private and public investment  in treating mine drainage by making it clear that those who invest in this expensive and ongoing treatment can lawfully benefit from any valuable materials that are recovered.  This  legislation also seeks to clarify that owners of the originating sources of the mine drainage cannot derive profit from or seek any benefit from the extraction of critical minerals or rare earth elements that are recovered downstream.
 
Rare earth elements and minerals are critical to modern technology and the defense industry.  These elements are found in products like cell phones, computer components, lasers and radar systems. Unfortunately, as a nation, we are highly dependent on other countries for the sourcing of these important elements. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, as of 2021, The U.S. has roughly 1.5 million metric tons of rare earth elements in reserve which makes up only 3 percent of China’s total reserves.  This puts our nation in a huge disadvantage from a national security perspective.
 
I hope that you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation which will improve our environment, bolster national security and provide an economic boost to Pennsylvania.