Rep. Gary Palmer Pushes for Energy Policy Shift

US Representative Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) is advocating for a renewed focus on American energy policies to lessen the nation’s reliance on China.

As the new chair of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on the Environment, he has proposed the 2025 US Mineral Supply (SAMS) Act. This legislation aims to solidify the executive orders issued by former President Trump, which are designed to enhance American energy resources and foster the development of critical minerals.

Palmer expressed his concerns about the current administration, stating, “For four years, the Biden-Harris administration has essentially waged a war against American energy, failing to address our dependency on adversarial nations like China for crucial minerals. This situation has become a significant threat to our national security.” He continued, “Upon taking office, President Trump quickly sought to rectify the previous administration’s errors. It is essential that we codify these actions to safeguard them from being reversed by future governments.”

President Trump took immediate action to unleash America’s energy and boost our critical mineral development.

His executive order must be codified to end our dependence on China for important minerals. My bill does just that.

– Gary Palmer (@usrepgarypalmer) July 15, 2025

The SAMS Act aims to make five of Trump’s energy-related executive orders permanent:

• EO 13817 – Strategies to ensure a safe and consistent supply of critical minerals
• EO 13953 – Addressing supply chain vulnerabilities due to reliance on adversarial nations for critical minerals
• EO 14154 – Unleashing America’s energy capabilities
• EO 14241 – Immediate steps to boost US mineral production
• EO 14272 – Actions to ensure national security and economic resilience in relation to processed critical minerals

Adding to his argument, Palmer said, “Relying on China for essential minerals poses an undeniable threat to our national security. This bill is just one step toward alleviating that dependency.”

Representative Robert Adderholt (R-Haleyville) supports the bill, believing it will help “restore US control over critical mineral production” by empowering American energy and reinforcing Trump’s executive actions.

I’m proud to support you @usrepgarypalmer. They will also co-sponsor the US Mineral Supply (SAMS) Act. The law aims to restore US control over critical mineral production while reinforcing Trump’s executive orders.

– Robert Aderholt (@robert_aderholt) July 15, 2025

Additionally, Representative Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is backing the initiative, emphasizing that it will “protect Americans.” He stated, “The United States should not find itself reliant on hostile nations for the minerals that are vital to our economy and security.” Moore further noted the importance of Palmer’s efforts, stating, “We must prioritize American workers, energy, and national security. This bill builds on the foundation laid by Trump’s executive orders to safeguard Americans.”