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HR 9740

Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act

119th Congress Introduced by Bill Foster

Establishes a U.S.-led, merit-reviewed Testbed to develop and test innovative, lower-impact critical materials processing tech for faster, domestic IP transfer.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 9740

Summary of HR 9740: Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Act

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Capability (the Testbed) to support research, development, demonstration, and scalable testing of novel technologies for processing critical materials.
  • Aims to accelerate innovation in how critical materials are processed while prioritizing efficiency, safety, and environmental considerations, with an emphasis on U.S. leadership and domestic IP retention.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment and administration (Section 2(a))

    • The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other federal agencies, must administer a competitive, merit-reviewed process to establish the Testbed.
    • The Testbed is designed for:
    • Research, development, and demonstration of novel critical materials processing technologies.
    • Scalable performance testing on feedstock materials.

  • Eligible participants (Section 2(a)(2))

    • Applications may come from National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, private companies, multi-institutional collaborations, and other appropriate entities.
    • The Testbed may be implemented as a single site or multiple sites as needed.

  • Focus areas (Section 2(b))

    • Emphasis on improvements in critical materials processing that address:
    • Reduced energy intensity
    • Reduced pollutants
    • Reduced water consumption
    • Lower environmental and societal impacts
    • Lower lifecycle costs
    • Improved recovery efficiencies
    • Process improvements beyond traditional thermal or pyrochemical methods
    • Reduced volumes and toxicity of waste
    • Noise reduction
    • Worker safety
    • Processing techniques applicable to a wide range of material sources

  • Duration and renewal (Section 2(c))

    • Initial support for up to five years, subject to available appropriations.
    • After expiration, funding may be renewed through a merit-reviewed process for up to an additional five years.

  • Technology transfer (Section 2(d))

    • The Secretary, with the Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization, should facilitate translation and secure transfer of Testbed research results to industry.

  • Intellectual property (Section 2(e))

    • Ensures that the intellectual property and value generated stays within the United States.

  • Interagency engagement (Section 2(f))

    • Coordination with:
    • EPA to align with environmental laws, regulations, and environmental justice priorities
    • Avoid duplication with:
    • Other DOE research entities, National Laboratories, other Federal agencies, higher education institutions, industry, NGOs, and other relevant parties

  • Authorization of appropriations (Section 2(g))

    • Funding authorization:
    • $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to establish the Testbed.
    • $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028–2031 to carry out Testbed activities.
    • Cost-sharing may be required for non-National Laboratory participants (Section 2(g)(2)).

  • Definitions (Section 2(h))

    • Critical material: Includes materials defined in Energy Act 2020/Presidential Determination 2022–11, spanning specific DOE and defense determinations.
    • Department: Department of Energy.
    • National Laboratory, Institution of higher education, Secretary: as defined in the bill.
    • Other standard definitional terms to ensure scope and application.

Who would be affected

  • Federal:
    • DOE (primary administrator) and cooperating federal agencies (interagency coordination).
  • Non-federal applicants:
    • National Laboratories, colleges and universities, private companies, and multi-institution collaborations may compete to host or participate in the Testbed.
  • Industries:
    • Sectors relying on critical materials (advanced electronics, energy, defense) could benefit from accelerated processing innovations and potential tech transfer to industry.
  • Environmental and public policy:
    • EPA involvement ensures environmental and environmental-justice considerations are integrated.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Competitive, merit-reviewed process to select Testbed host(s).
  • Initial funding authorization covers FY2027 for establishment; ongoing operations funded FY2028–FY2031.
  • Renewals possible for up to five-year terms, contingent on merit review and appropriations.
  • IP and tech transfer efforts to be coordinated with DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization.
  • Emphasis on avoiding duplication and ensuring domestic retention of generated IP.

Potential impact

  • Accelerates development of lower-energy, lower-power, and more environmentally friendly processing methods for critical materials.
  • Enhances domestic capability and leadership in critical materials processing.
  • Provides a framework for industry collaboration and practical testing with real feedstocks.
  • Establishes mechanisms for funding, renewal, and technology transfer to industry, with a focus on keeping value within the United States.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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