Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Mineral Security

10/24/2025

Proclamations

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Purpose: Provide regulatory relief for certain stationary sources under the Copper Rule to bolster American mineral security and protect domestic copper smelting capacity.
Context and Importance of Copper: Emphasizes copper’s critical role in energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors, as highlighted in Executive Order 14220 (February 25, 2025), to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
Impact of the EPA’s Copper Rule: The rule, published on May 13, 2024, imposes new emissions-control requirements on primary copper smelters, which are based on technologies that are not yet commercially viable or cost-effective.
Risks to Domestic Industry: With only two primary copper smelters operating in 2024, enforcing the new standards could accelerate closures, weaken the industrial base, and undermine national security and mineral independence.
Exemption Proclamation: President Donald J. Trump exempts the identified stationary sources (listed in Annex I) from complying with the Copper Rule for an additional 2 years beyond the original deadlines, reverting to pre-rule emissions obligations during this period.
Justification: The exemption is based on the absence of commercially viable emissions-control technology and the national security interest in maintaining domestic copper processing capacity.
Affected Facility: The Freeport-McMoRan Miami Inc. facility (Miami Smelter, Arizona) is specifically exempted under this proclamation.

The exemption from the Copper Rule for certain stationary sources, such as the Miami Smelter in Arizona, may lead to increased environmental concerns due to the delay in implementing new emissions-control technologies. This could result in heightened scrutiny from environmental groups and potential reputational risks for associated institutions.
The reliance on domestic copper smelting capacity is emphasized as a national security interest, which may lead to increased federal support and investment in this sector. However, the delay in compliance with the Copper Rule could also result in prolonged environmental impacts, affecting public perception and regulatory pressures.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of this exemption on its research and policy initiatives related to environmental sustainability and industrial regulation. The university could explore opportunities for research in emissions-control technologies and their commercial viability.
The exemption highlights the tension between industrial capacity and environmental regulation, which could influence future policy discussions and research funding priorities. Vanderbilt’s programs in environmental science and policy may need to adapt to these evolving dynamics.

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could see increased demand for research and development in emissions-control technologies, particularly those applicable to the copper smelting industry.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences may find opportunities to engage in studies related to the environmental impacts of delayed emissions standards and the development of sustainable industrial practices.
The Center for Environmental Management Studies at Vanderbilt could play a role in analyzing the long-term effects of regulatory exemptions on industrial sectors and their compliance with environmental standards.

The exemption may lead to shifts in federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grant opportunities for research in environmental regulation and industrial technology.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding landscape, particularly if federal support is directed towards enhancing domestic industrial capacity at the expense of environmental initiatives.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research in emissions-control technologies and their application in legacy industrial sectors, aligning with national security interests.

Relevance Score: 3 (The exemption presents moderate risks involving compliance and environmental considerations.)

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department should monitor developments related to the Copper Rule and its exemptions. Understanding the implications of these regulatory changes can inform research and policy recommendations on environmental standards and industrial practices.
The Office of Federal Relations should engage with policymakers to discuss the impact of the Copper Rule exemptions on environmental and industrial policy. This engagement can help Vanderbilt influence future regulatory decisions and align its research initiatives with national priorities.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could explore research opportunities in developing cost-effective emissions-control technologies. By contributing to advancements in this area, the university can position itself as a leader in sustainable industrial practices and innovation.

The exemption provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Business School to analyze the economic impacts of regulatory relief on the domestic copper industry. This analysis can offer insights into the balance between environmental regulations and industrial competitiveness.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in environmental policy to host forums and discussions on the implications of the Copper Rule and its exemptions. These events can position the university as a thought leader in the intersection of environmental regulation and industrial policy.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with regulatory changes and explore research opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

2-year extension to all Copper Rule compliance deadlines for the affected stationary sources listed in Annex I.

Relevance Score: 1

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is directly impacted as it issued the final rule (Copper Rule) under the Clean Air Act, and this proclamation provides regulatory relief by extending compliance deadlines for certain stationary sources under that rule.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one Federal Agency is directly affected by the order.)

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency – The EPA, which originally issued the Copper Rule, is now expected to incorporate and enforce the exemption outlined in this proclamation.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directs a significant regulatory adjustment affecting top-level agency oversight and enforcement actions).