This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior, working with the Secretary of Agriculture, to evaluate whether potash, phosphates, and other minerals essential for producing fertilizer and agricultural products should be officially designated as critical minerals under existing federal law. Within 30 days of enactment, the Secretary must begin this evaluation, and within 90 days, must review current permitting and leasing policies for these minerals and submit recommendations to Congress on boosting domestic production, along with a formal report explaining how each mineral does or does not meet the criteria for critical mineral status. If the evaluation finds that a mineral qualifies, the Secretary has 45 days after submitting the report to officially add it to the critical minerals list. This legislation primarily affects farmers, agricultural producers, and companies involved in mining and supplying fertilizer ingredients, as a critical minerals designation could lead to streamlined permitting, increased government support, and policies aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on foreign sources for these essential agricultural inputs. The bill does not include new funding but sets specific timelines for federal agencies to act.
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