Committee advances bill targeting foreign control of rare earth and critical minerals

Representative Wilk introduced House Bill 34 31 during the State Powers Committee meeting on Feb. 4, describing it as similar to the prior bill but specifically "targeted at rare earth minerals, critical minerals," with the aim of ensuring that "foreign adversaries" do not own mineral rights within the state of Oklahoma.

Wilk moved for adoption but said the language will likely be amended; he told the committee his intention is to refine the bill to add more detail on critical minerals and to protect international security and supply chains for rare earth minerals, as distinct from energy minerals such as oil and gas. Representative Shaw asked for an outline of the expected amendment; Wilk said the approach is "fluid" and described plans to work with stakeholders and to possibly merge or further amend the measures in a subsequent committee.

After limited discussion the committee took a "do pass" motion, the clerk opened and closed the queue with no debate, and the chair directed the bill be reported out as "due pass." The transcript does not record individual vote tallies, named movers or seconds for the motion.