Mining Policy Reform Legislation Long Overdue

November 1, 2007

Long overdue mining policy reforms that are needed to protect public lands and taxpayers are a step closer to becoming law, following House passage Thursday of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act (H.R. 2262).

“It’s past time for a conservative mining policy that requires the industry to pay its own way and take responsibility for cleaning up mining sites,” REP Government Affairs Director David Jenkins said. “The American taxpayer has been picking up the tab while foreign-owned corporations make out like bandits with billions of dollars in gold, silver, and copper extracted from our public lands.”

President Richard Nixon called for repeal of the 1872 Mining Law 34 years ago, saying, "Because the public lands belong to all Americans, this 1872 Mining Act should be repealed."

“Those who protested this legislation on the false premise that it will cause big mining conglomerates to dig oversees need to reassess their commitment to safeguarding taxpayer wallets,” Jenkins said. “Mining on lands owned by the American people is a privilege. Requiring mines to operate responsibly and to pay royalties for minerals taken from public lands are reasonable conditions for granting that privilege.”

The bill passed the House with the votes of 24 Republicans. “We thank the GOP lawmakers who cast votes for true conservatism by supporting this important bill,” Jenkins said.

The bill adopts updated standards to replace the antiquated 1872 Mining Law, which allows mining to trump all other uses of public lands.

“Under current law, mines can be sited anywhere a claim is filed, even on lands where watershed management or wildlife conservation would be better uses. The legislation will provide for a better balance by excluding roadless areas, wild and scenic rivers, and other sensitive lands from new mining claims,” REP Policy Director Jim DiPeso said.

“In addition, mining creates substantial impacts on public lands. Forty percent of Western watersheds have been damaged by mining pollution. The legislation will require mines to comply with standards to protect water and other resources, post adequate financial assurances for post-mining cleanup, and create a fund to clean up abandoned mines,” DiPeso said.

The 24 House Republicans who voted for the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act include:

CT – Christopher Shays
DE – Michael Castle
FL – C.W. “Bill” Young
IL – Judy Biggert, Tim Johnson, Mark Kirk
MD – Wayne Gilchrest
MI – Vern Ehlers
MN – Jim Ramstad
NC – Walter Jones
NE – Jeff Fortenberry
NJ – Michael Ferguson, Rod Frelinghuysen, Frank LoBiondo, Jim Saxton, Christopher Smith
OH – David Hobson, Ralph Regula
PA – Jim Gerlach, Todd Platts
WA – Dave Reichert
WI – Tom Petri, Paul Ryan, F. James Sensenbrenner