Washington, DC – ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer released the following statement today on the House passage of S. 2781, The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act:
“We are so pleased to see this bill finally head to the President’s desk. Good Samaritan legislation has long been a priority for ConservAmerica. Far too often, policies that were adopted to help remedy environmental challenges stand as a hindrance to pollution mitigation and remediation. This bipartisan legislation would make it easier for Good Samaritans, such as state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and other groups, to clean up and improve water quality in and around abandoned hard rock mines. It is a commonsense program that benefits both citizens and the environment and should stand as an example of how both parties can come together for the good of the country.”
The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act creates a pilot permitting program to enable not-for-profit cleanup efforts to move forward while ensuring Good Samaritans have the skills and resources to comply with federal oversight. This pilot program is designed for lower-risk projects, which will improve water and soil quality or otherwise protect human health.
Related links:
Good Samaritan Support Letter to EPW Committee
Webinar Replay: Removing Barriers to Cleaning up America’s Abandoned Mines and Watersheds
Commentary: Volunteers want to clean pollution caused by mines. A legal landmine stands in the way.
