Bill · S. 598· Senate(119-S-598)
Unearth Innovation Act
- Introduced
- 2/13/2025
- Last activity
- 2/13/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- John Hickenlooper
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Unearth Innovation Act seeks to establish a mineral and mining innovation program within the Department of Energy. This initiative aims to advance domestic mineral resources, economic growth, and national security. The Secretary of Energy will lead the program, working alongside the Secretary of the Interior to support research, development, and the commercialization of new technologies. Efforts will focus on areas such as mineral exploration, production, and recycling. The program also emphasizes improving environmental performance, mine safety, and community engagement.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill authorizes significant funding for research and development in mineral and mining technologies.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+6
The initiative is explicitly designed to support economic growth through the advancement of domestic mineral resources.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill mandates research into reducing air emissions, improving water management, and minimizing mining footprints.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic and National Security Growth: The initiative aims to advance domestic mineral resources, which is intended to drive economic growth and bolster national security (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Environmental Protection: The program focuses on improving environmental performance by reducing air emissions, improving water management, increasing energy efficiency, and minimizing mining footprints and waste (Section 2(c)(1)(D)).
-
Resource Sustainability: The initiative supports the development of technologies for recycling, specifically mentioning battery recycling, and aims to extend the usable lifespan of products through reuse and repairability (Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(c)(2)(C)).
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Community and Tribal Engagement: The bill includes duties to improve community engagement and requires consultation with Indian Tribes to address community priorities and mitigate potential harms (Section 2(c)(1)(I) and Section 2(c)(2)(D)(iv)).
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Workforce Development: The initiative includes a focus on training and education for the mining workforce (Section 2(c)(1)(K)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Environmental and Economic Risks from Mining: While the bill seeks to mitigate these, it identifies that mining projects can result in potential environmental and economic harm to local communities (Section 2(c)(2)(D)(iv)).
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 Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Union Workers+3Good For Low Income Households+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+6Increases Job Creation+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 2/13/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina