EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026
In committeeEnvironmental 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.
Sep 16, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
The EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026 establishes a program for recovering critical materials from contaminated sites, with a focus on environmental remediation and national security. The bill outlines funding limits, evaluation criteria for assistance, and a sunset clause, but lacks detailed oversight mechanisms and fiscal analysis.