H.R. 9616 Passed the House Energy

EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026

To establish a program for the recovery of critical materials from contaminated sites, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11] Introduced July 9, 2026 Cosponsors 1 (1 D) Latest action September 16, 2026

Summary

Environmental Monitoring and Remediation Technology Assessment Initiative Authorization Act of 2026 or the EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026
This provides statutory authority for an initiative within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that recovers critical materials from contaminated sites.
A critical material means (1) any non-fuel mineral, element, substance, or material that the Department of Energy determines has a high risk of a supply chain disruption and serves an essential function in energy technologies; and (2) any critical mineral. A critical mineral means any mineral, element, substance, or material designated as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Under the program, the EPA must investigate, evaluate, and support processes, methods, and systems which may be used to identify sources of critical materials at contaminated sites and recover such critical materials from those sites. In carrying out the program, the EPA may provide assistance (e.g., awards) to persons, nonprofit organizations, and state, local, and tribal government entities.
The bill prohibits the EPA from providing assistance (1) in an amount that exceeds $10 million in any fiscal year in the aggregate; or (2) to any person, nonprofit organization, or government entity, in an amount that exceeds $3 million.
The bill terminates the program after 10 years.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Sep 16, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  2. Sep 15, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Sep 15, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5682)
  4. Sep 15, 2026 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
  5. Sep 15, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9616.
  6. Sep 15, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5682-5683)
  7. Sep 15, 2026 Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  8. Sep 14, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 720.
  9. Sep 14, 2026 Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-821.
  10. Jul 21, 2026 Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
  11. Jul 21, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  12. Jul 20, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

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