The United States needs a robust minerals production industry to help meet the needs of American consumers. Unfortunately, America is ceding to others the responsibility for meeting the minerals needs. Increased import dependency created by lack of U.S. mineral development is not in the national interest and causes a multitude of negative consequences, including aggravation of the U.S. balance of payments, unpredictable price fluctuations and vulnerability to possible supply disruptions due to political or military instability. The U.S. mining industry has fully embraced the responsibility to conduct its operations in an environmentally and fiscally sound manner. It hopes and expects that Mining Law legislation will recognize and honor both this commitment and the industry