State holds public hearing to reform mining laws
In the face of a dramatic increases in new mining claims in California, state officials and environmental groups called on Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer to reform the 135-year-old law that governs the mining of gold, uranium and other hardrock minerals on federal lands in California and other western states.
A comprehensive bipartisan package that would modernize the Civil War era statute was passed by the House of Representatives in November. Similar legislation is now being written for the Senate, where it must eventually go through the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Those at the press conference urged for a Senate bill that is equally as strong as the bill from the House of Representatives.
“This year, California and the West will take center stage in the effort to reform the 1872 Mining Law,” said Gina Goodhill of Environment California. “Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer can play a lead role in protecting the health of California’s communities, lands, water and wildlife by producing a modern framework for mining that protects taxpayers and the environment. We all have a stake in their success. ”
The press conference was immediately followed by a State Mining and Geology Board public hearing pertaining to mining reform on federal lands in California. In California, federally managed lands comprise 45 percent of the State’s total land area. Public comments focused on the need for federal mining reform.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mining is the leading source of toxic pollution in the United States. Mining sites feature giant open pits and dangerous chemicals such as cyanide and sulfuric acid, which can contaminate water supplies with acid and heavy metals.
The need for reform has also been made more urgent by the dramatic increase in new mining claims in western states, including California. According to Bureau of Land Management data analyzed by the Environmental Working Group, the total number of hardrock mining claims in California is almost 20 percent higher in 2008 than in 2003. Claims totaled 6,122 in January 2008.
“The pressure of global markets has already pushed uranium mining along the rim of the Grand Canyon. If the worldwide demand for precious metals continues we could very well see toxic mining operations not far from schools, parks and playgrounds in residential communities,” said EWG Vice President Bill Walker. “The only way to make sure California communities are protected is for Congress to make sound, comprehensive reforms to the nation’s antiquated federal mining law.”
Yesterday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing about the current mining law. The Senate is expected to produce a bill by April. The hearing follows passage late last year of H.R. 2262, which provided fundamental reform measures.
The 1872 mining law, signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, offers special status to those filing claims on public lands – without safeguarding watersheds, wildlife or communities from the messy business of mining. It also allows mining companies to take minerals from public lands without compensating taxpayers, while oil, gas and coal industries have been paying royalties for decades.
Today’s event included participation from Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, Environment California, The Sierra Fund, the Environmental Working Group, the Planning and Conservation League, and The California Indian Environmental Alliance.
