Proclamation on Copper Rule Regulatory Relief

On October 24, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation that provides regulatory relief to specific stationary sources affected by the recently imposed Copper Rule. The Copper Rule, established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2024, introduced new emissions-control requirements that have been criticized as burdensome, particularly for the limited number of domestic copper smelters still operational in the United States. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of maintaining domestic copper production to reduce reliance on foreign sources and ensure mineral security, especially during times of crisis.

The proclamation specifically exempts designated copper smelters from compliance with the Copper Rule for an additional two years beyond the originally established deadlines. This exemption allows them to continue operating under existing emissions obligations rather than adopting new technologies that are reportedly not commercially viable. The rationale behind this decision includes mitigating the risk of further closures in an already strained industry and addressing the national security implications of diminishing domestic mineral processing capacity.

Included in the exemption is the Miami Smelter in Arizona, operated by Freeport-McMoRan Miami Inc., which is one of the last remaining smelting operations in the country. By extending compliance timelines, the proclamation aims to secure access to critical minerals essential for various industries, including energy and defense. This action reflects a strategy to strengthen U.S. capacity for processing domestic minerals and bolster the industrial base against potential supply chain disruptions.

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