View in Browser <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Removing Regulatory Barriers to Cleaning Up Abandoned Mines REGISTER HERE <[link removed]> Please join ConservAmerica for a webinar <[link removed]> on Wednesday, April 6 at 11 AM ET on the recently introduced legislation, Senate Bill 3571, titled “Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2022 <[link removed]> .” This bipartisan bill, if enacted, would establish a pilot permitting program to enable not-for-profit cleanup efforts to move forward, while ensuring those performing the cleanup 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. Many third parties have the resources and technical know-how to clean up watersheds and acid-mine drainage from these legacy mines yet concerns about legal liabilities creates a chilling effect that stops these environmentally friendly projects in their tracks. These third parties, commonly referred to as “Good Samaritans,” are NOT responsible for the mining or causing the environmental damage. However, the broad reach of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) makes them potentially responsible for pollution outside the scope of what they volunteered to clean-up. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted a policy of using administrative tools to encourage Good Samaritan cleanups. However, these tools are limited and not capable of providing the same protections and incentives as federal legislation. This webinar will discuss the legislation and efforts needed to make progress on removing barriers for the cleanup of legacy mines. Opening Remarks (invited): U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) & U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) Panelists: Ryan Jackson, National Mining Association Chris Wood, Trout Unlimited Ayla Neumeyer, Sen. Risch’s Office Moderated by Brent Fewell, ConservAmerica REGISTER HERE <[link removed]> Ryan Jackson heads the National Mining Association’s (NMA) government and political affairs. He previously served as chief of staff for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and staff director for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Chris Wood is the President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. He previously served as a senior policy and communications advisor to the U.S. Forest Service. Ayla Neumeyer is a legislative assistant for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, (R-Idaho). She provides policy advice on matters related to agriculture, environmental protection, public lands and natural resources. REGISTER HERE <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> ConservAmerica, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, United States Powered by Squarespace <[link removed]> Unsubscribe <[link removed]>