Rep. Gary Palmer Named Chair of Key Environment Subcommittee
New position deals with critical minerals, waste, clean air, safe drinking water, and hazardous materials
Last week, Congressman Brett Guthrie, who leads the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that Representative Gary Palmer of Alabama’s 6th District will chair the Subcommittee on Environment. That Subcommittee oversees important areas like critical minerals and rare earth elements.
In his statement, Rep. Palmer said:
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to chair the Subcommittee on Environment, which has jurisdiction over critical minerals and rare earth elements. Dependence on China for processing and refining critical minerals, and in particular rare elements, has become a major national security and economic security issue for the United States and our allies. I look forward to working with the other members of the committee to protect our economic and national security by eliminating our dependence on China for refined critical minerals and rare earth elements.”
Palmer’s statement reflects tte growing national concern about our reliance on China for key resources.
Rep. John Joyce from Pennsylvania was picked to lead the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee—the seat previously held by Palmer. These leadership shifts came after Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia resigned from the Health Subcommittee, prompting Guthrie to reshuffle other roles.
Palmer’s new spot puts him at the center of major environmental and national security issues. He’ll now help shape how the U.S. deals with critical minerals, waste, clean air, safe drinking water, and hazardous materials—all of which fall under the Subcommittee’s purview.
With fears about China’s role in refining minerals, Palmer’s focus on securing U.S. control could spark new hearings or bills on mineral processing. Since he now leads the Subcommittee, he’ll help guide investigations, hold hearings, and partner with other lawmakers to shape new rules.
Palmer will also serve on both Energy and Oversight panels. That gives him a strong voice across several topics and helps him push an agenda that blends environmental oversight with economic and security concerns.
