The Coordinating and Harnessing America’s Recovery of Minerals (CHARM) Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a National Critical Mineral Recovery Strategy. This strategy aims to enhance the recovery of essential minerals from discarded materials like waste and industrial byproducts. The EPA, in collaboration with other federal agencies, is tasked with identifying existing programs, opportunities for increased mineral recovery, and obstacles to these efforts. Additionally, the EPA must assess how recovered minerals can strengthen domestic supply chains while minimizing health and environmental risks. A report detailing the strategy and related actions is to be submitted to Congress and made public within two years of the law's enactment, with updates every two years thereafter.
Supporters of the CHARM Act commend its proactive approach to bolstering domestic supply chains by recovering critical minerals from waste materials. They highlight the potential for reducing reliance on foreign mineral sources, promoting environmental sustainability through waste reduction, and fostering economic growth by tapping into previously overlooked resources. The bill's emphasis on interagency collaboration is also praised for streamlining efforts and enhancing efficiency in mineral recovery initiatives.
Critics of the CHARM Act express concerns about the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of recovering minerals from discarded materials, questioning whether the benefits justify the expenses involved. Environmental advocates worry that the focus on mineral recovery could divert attention and resources from other pressing environmental issues. Additionally, some stakeholders are skeptical about the potential regulatory challenges and the time required to implement the proposed strategy effectively.
While there are no direct industry overlaps between the bill subjects of H.R. 9617 and the sponsor Gary Palmer's top donor industries, there is notable lobbying activity in related policy areas. For instance, Anne Pramaggiore and the American Concrete Institute have contributed a combined total of $140,000 through Crossroads Strategies, LLC, which may indicate a vested interest in infrastructure or construction-related provisions that could be indirectly influenced by the bill. Additionally, the presence of multiple undisclosed contributions from organizations like WISH and the Wisconsin Cranberry Research and Education Foundation raises concerns about transparency and potential hidden interests. Voters should be aware of these lobbying activities as they may reflect broader industry influences on legislative outcomes.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE | CROSSROADS STRATEGIES, LLC | $80,000 |
| ANNE PRAMAGGIORE | CROSSROADS STRATEGIES, LLC | $60,000 |
| SIGHTLINE INTELLIGENCE | C2 STRATEGIES | $50,000 |
| ACTUS ADVANCED SYSTEMS | C2 STRATEGIES | $40,000 |
| WASHOE COUNTY | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $30,000 |
| VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS, INC. | C2 STRATEGIES | $30,000 |
| EO SOLUTIONS LLC | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $20,000 |
| WASHOE COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $20,000 |
| ULINE | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | $20,000 |
| RTC SOUTHERN NEVADA | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $10,000 |
| WISH | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WISCONSIN STATE CRANBERRY GROWERS ASSOCIATION | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WISCONSIN CRANBERRY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WISCONSIN CRANBERRY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WD SCHORSCH LLC | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Gary Palmer, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
