States findings of the Legislature and requests Idaho work with the federal government to reform certain federal acts that impede the production and processing of minerals in Idaho.

This Senate Joint Memorial exemplifies the vast mineral resources that Idaho has and the economic opportunities that mineral extraction and processing offers. Streamlining the permitting process at the State and federal level is vital to the success of the mining industry. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on mineral projects in order to meet the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards; and mining companies still face endless litigation. The United States has some of the highest environmental, safety, and health standards in the world. It is of the utmost importance that the State of Idaho work with the new Trump Administration in streamlining permitting reform, use of public lands, and encourage domestic mining and mineral processing activities in the United States.