WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 9616 · 119th Congress

EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026

Passed HouseEnergy
IntroducedJul 9, 2026
Passed HouseSep 15, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Sep 16, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

What it does

Sourced

Environmental Monitoring and Remediation Technology Assessment Initiative Authorization Act of 2026 or the EMRTAI Authorization Act of 2026

This provides statutory authority for an initiative within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that recovers critical materials from contaminated sites.

A critical material means (1) any non-fuel mineral, element, substance, or material that the Department of Energy determines has a high risk of a supply chain disruption and serves an essential function in energy technologies; and (2) any critical mineral. A critical mineral means any mineral, element, substance, or material designated as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Under the program, the EPA must investigate, evaluate, and support processes, methods, and systems which may be used to identify sources of critical materials at contaminated sites and recover such critical materials from those sites. In carrying out the program, the EPA may provide assistance (e.g., awards) to persons, nonprofit organizations, and state, local, and tribal government entities.

The bill prohibits the EPA from providing assistance (1) in an amount that exceeds $10 million in any fiscal year in the aggregate; or (2) to any person, nonprofit organization, or government entity, in an amount that exceeds $3 million.

The bill terminates the program after 10 years.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jul 9, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Sep 16, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.Senate
  2. Sep 15, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. Sep 15, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5682)House floor actions
  4. Sep 15, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.Library of Congress
  5. Sep 15, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9616.House floor actions
  6. Sep 15, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5682-5683)House floor actions
  7. Sep 15, 2026Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
  8. Sep 14, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 720.House floor actions
  9. Sep 14, 2026Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-821.House floor actions
  10. Sep 14, 2026Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-821.Library of Congress
  11. Jul 21, 2026Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.House committee actions
  12. Jul 21, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  13. Jul 20, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  14. Jul 14, 2026Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.House committee actions
  15. Jul 14, 2026Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  16. Jul 9, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
  17. Jul 9, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.House committee actions
  18. Jul 9, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  19. Jul 9, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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Cosponsors

  • Greg Landsman D-OH-1