NFFS Supports H.R. 8277 Copper and Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit

The Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS) has joined a coalition effort supporting H.R. 8277, legislation introduced by Representatives David Schweikert and Mike Carey that would add copper to the list of critical minerals eligible under the federal 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit.

Copper was recently designated as an official critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), reflecting its essential role in U.S. manufacturing, defense systems, electrical infrastructure, and energy technologies. However, the original statute establishing the 45X credit relied on an earlier USGS critical minerals list and did not include a mechanism to automatically recognize newly designated materials such as copper.

H.R. 8277 would correct that issue by ensuring that both primary copper production and secondary refining and recycling operations qualify for the 10% production tax credit. Supporters of the legislation believe the change will strengthen domestic supply chains, encourage investment in U.S. production capacity, and support manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on copper and copper-based alloys.

NFFS joined other manufacturing and materials organizations in signing a support letter backing the legislation and encouraging congressional action. The NFFS Government Affairs Committee will continue to track the legislation and provide additional updates as they become available.