Bill · H.R. 9740· House(119-HR-9740)
Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act
- Introduced
- 7/16/2026
- Last activity
- 7/16/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Foster
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act aims to establish a Testbed Capability for research, development, and demonstration of novel critical materials processing technologies. The Secretary of Energy will administer a competitive, merit-reviewed process to select entities such as National Laboratories, private companies, or institutions of higher education. The Testbed will focus on improving technologies through areas like reduced energy intensity, lower environmental impacts, and improved worker safety. Research results produced at the Testbed will be translated and securely transferred to industry. The program is intended to receive support for up to five years, with the possibility of a five-year renewal. The bill also authorizes specific appropriations to fund the establishment and ongoing activities of the Testbed.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this put more money into scientific research?+6
The bill authorizes significant appropriations specifically for research, development, and demonstration of new technologies.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The Testbed specifically targets the reduction of pollutants, water consumption, and the toxicity of waste.
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill promotes technology transfer to industry and provides opportunities for private companies to participate in the Testbed.
The opposite
Does this put more money into public schools?-1
While the bill supports higher education institutions through research, it does not provide funding for public schools.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?-1
The bill includes a requirement for secure transfer of research results, though it does not directly address cybersecurity capabilities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental and Social Improvements: The Testbed focuses on several areas that could benefit the public, including reduced pollutants, reduced water consumption, lower environmental and societal impacts, and reduced volumes and toxicity of waste (Section 2(b)).
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Improved Safety and Efficiency: The focus areas include improving worker safety and increasing recovery efficiencies (Section 2(b)).
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Economic and Technological Benefits: The bill aims for lower lifecycle costs and the translation of research results to industry (Section 2(b) and Section 2(d)). Additionally, the Secretary must ensure that the intellectual property and value proposition generated by the Testbed are kept within the United States (Section 2(e)).
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Energy and Noise Reduction: The Testbed will prioritize technologies that result in reduced energy intensity and noise reduction (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial Requirements for Entities: The Secretary has the authority to require that funds used to carry out Testbed activities be cost-shared by certain entities, excluding National Laboratories (Section 2(g)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Students+3Good For Union Workers+3Good For Hispanic Americans+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+4Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5Reduces Carbon Emissions+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6Increases Public School Funding-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 7/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Introduced in House