Good Samaritan Legislation Passes the Senate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kenna O’Neill — koneill@miningamerica.org
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, a bipartisan and commonsense bill that is a win for the environment, the Good Samaritan, the community and for society.
Mark Compton, Executive Director of the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA), expressed enthusiasm over the long-awaited progress for Good Samaritan legislation, stating, “The mining industry has the desire, the experience, the technology, the expertise, and the capital to remediate and reclaim AMLs. For more than two decades, AEMA has collaborated with industry allies and conservation groups on this effort. Yesterday’s bipartisan win marks a monumental step forward.”
The carefully crafted legislation authorizes a pilot project program that provides limited liability protections to interested parties that have no legal or financial responsibility for an abandoned mine but have the expertise, funding, and willingness to undertake remediation activities.
“We’re grateful for the strong bipartisan support demonstrated by the original cosponsors in the Senate and House,” said Compton. “We applaud Senators Heinrich and Risch for their leadership on this legislation and we urge the U.S. House of Representatives to follow suit.”
About AEMA: American Exploration & Mining Association is a 129 year old, 1,800 member, national association representing the minerals industry. With members in 46 states, AEMA is the recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, maintaining access to public lands, and represents the entire mining life cycle, from exploration through production to reclamation and closure.