Last week, the U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and sent it to President Biden for signature. After the Senate vote, Earthjustice Vice President of Policy and Legislation Martin Hayden issued the following statement:

“This year’s NDAA contains important investments in clean water access, reducing PFAS contamination, and critical protections for ocean species. With the inclusion of the Water Resources Development Act, communities across the country — especially in tribal nations — will receive important infrastructure improvements that will expand access to clean water while lowering costs for consumers. We applaud the inclusion of important provisions to help combat illegal fishing and forced labor in global seafood supply chains, reduce conflicts between various industries and endangered marine mammals, and end the domestic sale of shark fins. Additionally, we commend the inclusion of language incentivizing the Department of Defense to create a plan for reusing and recycling minerals.

“While we are thrilled Senator Manchin’s dirty permitting deal was not included in the final NDAA, we remain concerned about other provisions in the bill that are handouts to mining companies under the guise of national security. Securing mineral supply chains must begin with mining companies adhering to strong environmental and community protections, and Congress should not continue to reward their toxic legacy with taxpayer-funded subsidies.”