Today, the House moved to stop a toxic and evil threat lurking at the edge of the Grand Canyon and other treasured lands, by passing the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 (H.R. 2262).
It is clear that hardrock mining companies are looking to scare up more profits, without regard to the lands that are sacrificed in the process. With more than 800 new claims staked at the edge of the Grand Canyon since 2003, this national treasure could soon be haunted by a witch’s brew of cyanide and sulfuric acid.
In reforming the 1872 Mining Law, the bill approved today will bar future mining in our last wild national forests and other treasured lands across the country. The Grand Canyon and other national parks will also be protected by H.R. 2262, because it makes it clear that mining proposals that will impair the resources of the park will not be approved.
Environment America is campaigning to ensure that these strong protections remain in the final bill. We now look forward to working with the United States Senate to pass substantial reform to the 1872 Mining Law that maintains the protections outlined by H.R. 2262.
