Northwest Lawmakers Want Phosphate Labeled A Critical Mineral

Earlier this week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, and a host of other Northwest lawmakers, signed a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in support of phosphate being included on the 2025 Critical Minerals List.

The bicameral and bipartisan letter is led by Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa, and Michigan’s Elissa Slotkin as well as Representatives Kat Cammack from Floridia and California’s Jimmy Panetta.  Phosphate is an essential nutrient that supports plant growth, enhances water retention, and increases crop yield and disease resistance.

“Southeast Idaho is home to one of the world’s most significant phosphate reserves, which plays a critical role in our economy and agriculture," Simpson said.  "Food security is national security, and we must maintain our role as the global leader in food supply. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Burgum’s efforts in prioritizing the domestic production of critical minerals and safeguarding America’s food security. Adding potash to the Critical Minerals List is a great first step, but to maintain our lead and protect America’s producers, farmers, and economic output, phosphate must also be added.”

Simpson Advocates For Multiple Inputs

Simpson said he has advocated for potash and phosphate to be included on the final list of critical minerals, joining a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in support of phosphate and potash being included on the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals in April.

Other Northwest lawmakers that signed the letter include Idaho’s Russ Fulcher, Mike Crapo, and Jim Risch and Washington's Dan Newhouse.

Click Here to read this week's letter.

During the previous Congress (the 118th), Simpson cosponsored legislation to include phosphate and potash on the final list of critical minerals of the Department of the Interior.

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