CHARM Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Sep 2026): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
What this bill does
The CHARM Act (H.R. 9617) would amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, working with other relevant federal agencies, to develop and carry out a National Critical Mineral Recovery Strategy. This strategy would focus on coordinating federal efforts to recover critical minerals from discarded materials, including mining waste, metal-processing waste, and other discarded materials. The Administrator would be directed to identify relevant federal programs and authorities, evaluate barriers to mineral recovery, assess how recovered minerals could strengthen domestic supply chains, and identify recovery opportunities that minimize risks to human health and the environment. Beginning two years after enactment, and every two years thereafter, the Administrator would have to submit a public report to relevant House and Senate committees describing the strategy, agency actions taken or planned, and any legislative recommendations.
The bill primarily affects the EPA and other federal agencies involved in waste management, mineral recovery, and supply-chain policy. It does not create new regulatory requirements for private industry but establishes a planning and reporting framework aimed at improving coordination on recovering critical minerals from waste streams.
H.R. 9617 passed the House on September 15, 2026, by voice vote under a suspension of the rules and now goes to the Senate for further consideration. No Senate action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Coordinating and Harnessing America’s Recovery of Minerals Act or the CHARM Act
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and carry out a national strategy for recovering critical minerals from discarded materials. Critical minerals are defined as any mineral, element, substance, or material designated as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey because it is essential to U.S. economic or national security, has a vulnerable supply chain, and serves an essential function in manufacturing a product.
The EPA must report to Congress every two years on its actions, plans, and recommendations relating to the national strategy.
Timeline
16 Sep 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9617 do?
- The CHARM Act (H.R. 9617) would amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, working with other relevant federal agencies, to develop and carry out a National Critical Mineral Recovery Strategy. This strategy would focus on coordinating federal efforts to recover critical minerals from discarded materials, including mining waste, metal-processing waste, and other discarded materials. The Administrator would be directed to identify relevant federal programs and authorities, evaluate barriers to mineral recovery, assess how recovered minerals could strengthen domestic supply chains, and identify recovery opportunities that minimize risks to human health and the environment. Beginning two years after enactment, and every two years thereafter, the Administrator would have to submit a public report to relevant House and Senate committees describing the strategy, agency actions taken or planned, and any legislative recommendations. The bill primarily affects the EPA and other federal agencies involved in waste management, mineral recovery, and supply-chain policy. It does not create new regulatory requirements for private industry but establishes a planning and reporting framework aimed at improving coordination on recovering critical minerals from waste streams. H.R. 9617 passed the House on September 15, 2026, by voice vote under a suspension of the rules and now goes to the Senate for further consideration. No Senate action has yet occurred.
- Has H.R. 9617 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9617. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9617?
- H.R. 9617 was sponsored by Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6] (R-AL), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9617?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (16 Sep 2026).
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