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Across the West, the legacy of mining and oil and gas extraction has left dozens of toxic messes that have yet to be cleaned up, and pollution and contamination that may never be fully eliminated.
A new report from the Center for Western Priorities, Backyard Problems, looks at a number of these toxic sites to highlight the risks involved with mining and drilling in the West, making a strong case for strengthening environmental safeguards and reforming outdated laws in order to better protect Western communities and the environment. These outdated laws include the 151-year-old General Mining Act of 1872 and the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920.
Rachael Hamby, Policy Director at the Center for Western Priorities and one of the report authors said, “Westerners’ backyards are littered with contamination left behind by mining and oil and gas companies that made toxic messes and then walked away. After more than 150 years of mining and drilling, we’ve had more than enough time to learn from the mistakes of the past. Yet when it comes to the laws that govern resource extraction, very little has changed.”
The Biden administration is currently updating federal rules that govern how drilling occurs on public lands, as well as creating a federal rule to better balance conservation with extractive activities on public lands. The report shows why these efforts are necessary and urgent, underscoring that the rules must be enforced to be effective. Finally, the Backyard Problems report makes the case for increasing bonding requirements for both drilling and mining projects so that taxpayers are not stuck with the cleanup costs. “It’s time to bring our laws and policies into the 21st century to protect Western communities and landscapes from irresponsible mining and drilling,” said Hamby.
Tonight! Free Caja del Rio film fest in Santa Fe
Join the Caja del Rio Coalition in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a free film screening and panel with local leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges for protecting the Caja del Rio. In addition to the other films, you'll have the opportunity to watch our 5-minute Postcard film about some of the leaders behind the effort to protect the Caja del Rio on a big screen. Can't make it to Santa Fe this evening? There will be another film screening event next Friday, August 18 in Albuquerque. Details and registration info for both events can be found at www.cajadelrio.org/filmfest.
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It’s like throwing a ton of weeds in your backyard and then planting a couple of really fragile plants. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle of more invasive grasses and more wildfire.”
