Washington, DC – ConservAmerica is pleased to announce the release of its latest paper entitled An Exploration of Policy Tools to Address Abandoned Mines. This paper was authored by ConservAmerica and published in partnership with RESOLVE and Regeneration.
This white paper explores how the Good Samaritan model—by establishing a safe, well-regulated framework for voluntary cleanups—can inform similar initiatives globally, offering policymakers a flexible template to balance environmental restoration with legal practicality amid growing pollution challenges and constrained public budgets.
“For more than two decades, I’ve seen how Good Samaritan cleanups can turn toxic legacies into living waters—restoring degraded watersheds, protecting threatened fish and wildlife, and safeguarding community drinking water,” said Brent Fewell, ConservAmerica, General Counsel, and Former EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Water.
“By providing the legal certainty that volunteers and partners need, this pragmatic, win-win legislation empowers citizens, Tribes, local governments, and conservation groups to address the legacy of historic mining. Congress should make Good Sam permanent.”
Abandoned hardrock mines pose significant global environmental and public health risks, releasing heavy metals and acid drainage that damage ecosystems, threaten downstream communities, and cost governments billions in cleanup. To address this, the United States introduced the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act in December 2024, creating a pilot program that allows up to 15 third-party cleanup projects by individuals or organizations with no prior connection to the contamination.
ConservAmerica has long advocated for Good Samaritan legislation. Learn more here:
ConservAmerica Applauds Passage of Good Sam Legislation
Webinar Replay: Removing Barriers to Cleaning up America’s Abandoned Mines and Watersheds
ConservAmerica Submits Letter to Senate Committee in Support of Good Samaritan Legislation
