This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Legislative hearing on Bureau of Land Management mineral bills, House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, March 25: The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a legislative hearing on H.R. 1555, H.R. 5639, H.R. 7831, H.R. 7872, and H.R. 7882 on March 25, 2026, in Longworth 1324.

Federal Government News

BOEM Initiates Environmental Impact Statement for Platform Gilda Well Stimulation Treatment Offshore California

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced an intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) assessing the proposed hydraulic fracturing program for up to 16 wells on Platform Gilda, located offshore Ventura, California. The proposal, submitted by DCOR, L.L.C., aims to improve hydrocarbon recovery from the Repetto formation through well stimulation treatments, including up to 38 hydraulic fracturing stages. Public comments are invited through March 30, 2026, with the scoping process focusing on potential impacts to air and water quality, marine habitats, and cultural resources. BOEM anticipates completing the EIS within 28 days under streamlined NEPA procedures triggered by the national energy emergency declared in January 2025. Alternatives considered include approving the supplemental development plan or taking no action. Cooperating agencies and stakeholders can participate in the information-gathering process, which will inform final decisions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Colorado Class VI Injection Well Primacy for Carbon Sequestration

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to approve Colorado’s application for primary enforcement of Class VI injection wells used for geologic carbon sequestration under the Safe Drinking Water Act. If finalized, Colorado’s Energy and Carbon Management Commission will issue and enforce Class VI permits, except on Indian lands where EPA retains primacy. The EPA reviewed Colorado’s regulatory structure, public engagement processes, and technical standards, finding them consistent with federal rules. The state codified updated Class VI rules in December 2024 after public input. Public comments on the proposal are open until May 4, 2026, and a virtual hearing will be held during the comment period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USGS Extends Information Collection for Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Competitive Agreements

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seeks comment on extending data collection for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) competitive cooperative agreement program with State geological surveys. Authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Earth MRI receives annual funding to advance nationwide geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping, focusing on critical mineral resource identification. The data collection supports USGS oversight of cooperative agreements with State surveys, including project applications and reporting requirements. Approximately 25 respondents are expected each year, generating a total estimated annual burden of 2,600 hours. Comments are open until May 18, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department Solicits Comments on Tribal Energy Resource Agreements Collection

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a request for comment regarding the renewal of information collection requirements for Tribal Energy Resource Agreements (TERA) under 25 CFR part 224. The submission relates to federally recognized tribes’ applications, implementation, reassumption, or rescission of TERA, including public notification procedures and noncompliance petitions. Estimated annual burden is 2,960 hours. Comments are due by April 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi Announce US–Japan Critical Minerals Action Plan

President Donald J. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi unveiled new bilateral initiatives encompassing economic security and supply chain resilience, notably through a joint Critical Minerals Action Plan. The agreement includes $73 billion in Japanese investments in U.S. energy projects, expanded cooperation in investment security, and scientific partnerships targeting critical minerals, AI, and space exploration technologies. The alliance aims to strengthen mineral supply chains, with both nations advancing research and development for lunar and Martian missions. Defense cooperation extends to missile production and regional stability commitments.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

BLM Proposes Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease in Weld County, Colorado

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes reinstating a terminated competitive oil and gas lease held by Incline Energy, LLC in Weld County, Colorado. Originally terminated on December 1, 2021, the lease covers 9.7 acres and was petitioned for reinstatement under the Mineral Leasing Act. BLM’s review found that the lease aligns with the Environmental Assessment and the Resource Management Plan, with new terms including increased rental and royalty rates. The lease’s effective date will revert to its original termination date.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIEHS Requests Comment on Hazardous Waste Worker Training Cooperative Agreement Recipient Data Collection

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) seeks feedback on a 30-day OMB review for data collection related to Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program cooperative agreement recipients. The program trains workers in hazardous waste removal, emergency response, and environmental restoration. Information will be used for award and continuation decisions; awardees have cumulatively trained over 5 million workers since 1987. Annualized data collection burden is estimated at 800 hours, with comments accepted via formal request.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

License to Drill Act (H.R. 7831)

H.R. 7831, License to Drill Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill proposes changes to mineral leasing regulations to facilitate permitting and drilling activities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act (H.R. 1555)

H.R. 1555, Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill concerns mineral development area spacing and associated regulatory changes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (S. 1366)

S. 1366, Mining Regulatory Clarity Act, was read twice and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar No. 357. This act addresses environmental regulation and permitting clarity for mining operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Mineral Leasing Act for bonus payments of certain coal leases (H.R. 7872)

H.R. 7872 was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill would modify bonus payment provisions for coal leases issued under the Mineral Leasing Act.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Co-Location Energy Act (H.R. 5639)

H.R. 5639, Co-Location Energy Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The legislation aims to enable co-location of energy infrastructure with mineral development sites.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To provide for the leasing of certain mineral deposits in Carlsbad, New Mexico (H.R. 7882)

H.R. 7882 was referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill addresses the leasing of specific mineral deposits within the City of Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Commodity Exchange Act regarding storage of precious metals (H.R. 8007)

H.R. 8007 was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. The act would adjust regulations to reduce systemic risk and promote competition in precious metals depositories.

Sources: www.congress.gov

North Rim Restoration Act (H.R. 5729)

H.R. 5729 was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill pertains to restoration efforts for the North Rim public lands area.

Sources: www.congress.gov

FAST Act threshold modifications for infrastructure permitting (H.R. 8003)

H.R. 8003 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The bill would lower cost estimate thresholds that affect eligibility for infrastructure project permitting processes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Repeal of conflict minerals disclosure requirements (H.R. 7085)

H.R. 7085, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and repeal certain disclosure requirements relating to conflict minerals, was placed on the Union Calendar No. 481.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Exclusive | Orion Raises $2.2 Billion for Bets on Mining Critical Minerals: Orion secures $2.2 billion for critical minerals investments, signaling increased activity in the sector.
• Presentation to Swiss Mining Institute Conference: Swiss Mining Institute hosts a conference presentation addressing global mining trends this week.
• In China, battery makers bet big on sodium in move away from critical minerals: Chinese battery producers invest heavily in sodium technology, reducing reliance on critical minerals.
• Opinion | California Has an Oil and Gas Problem: California’s oil and gas industry faces regulatory and operational challenges.
• Opinion | California’s Climate of Fuel Insecurity: The state’s energy supply vulnerabilities prompt industry and policy debate about fuel security.
• Glencore could walk away from South Africa smelter rescue talks over conditions: Glencore signals possible exit from South Africa smelter negotiations due to proposed terms.
• Japan, US announce energy projects, critical minerals action plan: Japan and the US unveil collaborative investments and a new plan addressing critical minerals supply.

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