Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act of 2025

This legislation proposes significant amendments to the Clean Air Act concerning air pollutant emission offsets. Its primary aim is to facilitate the establishment and modification of facilities deemed critical for national security, specifically those involved in advanced manufacturing and critical mineral production. A key provision grants the President the authority to waive , either partially or entirely, the requirement for new or modified advanced manufacturing facilities or critical mineral facilities to offset increased emissions of any air pollutant. This waiver can only be exercised if the President determines it is in the national security interests of the United States, and this determination cannot be delegated to another person. Furthermore, the bill introduces alternative requirements for state permitting authorities regarding these specific facilities. States must allow such facilities to use alternative or innovative means to offset emissions if they demonstrate that traditional offsets are unavailable despite reasonable efforts. In such cases, the permitting authority can impose an alternative measure designed to offset emissions or levy an emissions fee , which must be used to maximize emissions reductions in the area. An "advanced manufacturing facility" is defined as one primarily manufacturing semiconductors or semiconductor manufacturing equipment, while a "critical mineral facility" focuses on the extraction, processing, refining, or milling of critical minerals designated by the Secretary of the Interior.