Diesel emissions, mineral recovery bills advance

By Alex Guillén, Ellie Borst | 07/15/2026 06:24 AM EDT

Several measures on reclaiming critical minerals won bipartisan support, but Democrats turned up their noses at GOP air measures.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill.

“The bills before us demonstrate how we can grow the economy and protect national security while maintaining a healthy environment,” said House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.). Francis Chung/POLITICO

A House subcommittee on Tuesday approved a swath of air and mineral recycling bills — some with bipartisan support and others along party lines.

It’s unclear whether any of the bills that made it through the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Environment Subcommittee ultimately will make it to President Donald Trump’s desk, even the bipartisan measures.

But the markup highlighted where the GOP was able to garner Democratic support in areas like critical minerals while remaining too far apart on vehicle pollution.

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“The bills before us demonstrate how we can grow the economy and protect national security while maintaining a healthy environment,” House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) said.

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