Representative Mike Simpson

Congressman Simpson's Update

september 30, 2022

National Clean Energy Week 2022

I was happy to join the Congressional Western Caucus and celebrate National Clean Energy Week by recognizing the importance of nuclear energy.

Ensuring the U.S. is a leader in advanced nuclear technologies for deployment around the country and the globe must be a top priority.

As the Ranking Member of House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee, I will continue to work to achieve that goal.

Energy

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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or background. If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Line at 988. If you are uncomfortable speaking on the phone, you can also chat with a Suicide & Crisis Lifeline representative at 988lifeline.org.

Idaho Resources

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Supporting a Domestic Supply of Critical Minerals

Credit: Alexandra Etheridge

Critical minerals are vital to the emerging technologies that will underpin the future economic well-being and prosperity of our nation. In recognition of these important minerals, the Department of Interior developed a list of 50 critical minerals, a process that Congress later codified. Idaho is rich in many of these minerals—some of which are fundamental to energy and national security applications—such as antimony and cobalt.

Instead of supporting American jobs, American mines, and the production of a domestic supply, the Biden Administration is looking to fund Canadian mines.

The time is now for this Administration to take real action to prioritize a strong domestic supply chain for these essential minerals. I do not want to compromise any of our environmental or other standards. I am simply calling on the Administration to prioritize the timely completion of the permits of currently proposed projects so the United States may take back control of a fundamental piece of many of our essential industries: critical minerals production.