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Adds a new definition and mission for the Department of Energy to identify and secure “critical energy resources” whose supply chains are vulnerable to disruption. Requires the Secretary of Energy to assess U.S. reliance, vulnerabilities, production capacity, regulatory barriers, and hostile‑actor risks for those resources and to take steps to diversify, grow domestic supplies, develop substitutes, and improve recycling, with a report to Congress within two years.
Adds a definition of the term "critical energy resource" for use in sections 102(20) and 203(a)(12): a) an energy resource that is essential to the energy sector and energy systems of the United States; and b) the supply chain of which is vulnerable to disruption.
Adds to section 102 a new item (20) establishing an objective: "To ensure there is an adequate and reliable supply of critical energy resources that are essential to the energy security of the United States."
Adds to section 203(a) a new function (12): functions relating to securing the supply of critical energy resources, including identifying and mitigating the effects of a disruption of such supply on (A) the development and use of energy technologies and (B) the operation of energy systems.
The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, energy sector representatives, States, and other stakeholders, shall conduct ongoing assessments of specified topics related to critical energy resources.
Assessment topic: the criticality of energy resources based on their importance to energy technologies and the supply of energy.
3 meetings related to this legislation
Primary federal impact: The Department of Energy will gain an explicit statutory mission and new responsibilities to evaluate and strengthen supply chains for critical energy resources. DOE offices will need to allocate staff time and expertise to assessments, interagency coordination, industry engagement, and reporting.
Industry impact: Companies that produce, process, fabricate, or recycle energy‑related materials (mining firms, refiners, manufacturers, recyclers) will be more directly engaged with federal assessments and diversification efforts. Firms may face new data requests, partnership opportunities, pilot projects, or incentives if DOE pursues domestic expansion or supply diversification strategies.
Energy system operators: Owners and operators of electric generating units, utilities, and other infrastructure owners may be affected by DOE guidance or recommended actions to reduce vulnerability to resource disruptions; they could face operational planning changes or be encouraged to adopt alternative technologies or feedstocks.
State and local governments: May be partners for permitting, siting, workforce development, and infrastructure expansion needed to grow domestic supply chains. They could also be affected by any federal‑led efforts to expand mining, processing, or recycling capacity.
Consumers and broader economy: Intended long‑term effects include improved reliability and resilience of energy supplies, which could reduce risk of shortages or price spikes tied to supply disruptions. Near term, effects depend on DOE actions and whether additional funding or regulatory changes follow.
National security: The requirement to assess hostile‑nation actions and import reliance links this work to national and economic security planning, potentially influencing defense and foreign‑policy coordination.
Last progress February 12, 2026 (1 week ago)
Introduced on May 29, 2025 by John James
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.