Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act moves forward
While much work still must be done to modernize our mining laws, this is a step in the right direction to address one of the biggest threats our rivers face nationwide. Stock image.
On December 10, 2024, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation opens the door for “Good Samaritans” such as state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and other groups, to clean up abandoned hardrock mines.
Before the Good Samaritan Act, it was nearly impossible for third parties to clean up abandoned mine sites polluting our environment. For instance, Federal rules held cleanup volunteers liable for all pre-existing pollution at the site despite having no prior connection to the mine before their restoration efforts. Even if pollution were reduced by 50%, the organization spearheading the cleanup would have been held responsible for all remaining pollution associated with the project.
The legislation, originally introduced by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), received unanimous Senate approval in July. Its House companion, led by Representatives Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), and Susie Lee (D-Nev.), is now headed to the President’s desk for signature into law.
“This bill gives our waters and public lands a chance to be properly restored,” stated Sydney Anderson, Idaho Rivers United’s Mining and Policy Manager. “It is a pivotal first step in starting to mend the scars left behind from hardrock mining.”
While much work still must be done to modernize our mining laws, this is a step in the right direction to address one of the biggest threats our rivers face nationwide. We want to thank everyone involved in moving this bipartisan legislation across the finish line. And a special thanks to Trout Unlimited, who has been an instrumental leader for decades pushing for Good Samaritan protections to come to fruition. As Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, stated “Clean water is a basic human right.”
Our rivers thank you.
Read more about the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act here.
