Earthjustice Action Statement on House Passage of Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act. The bill would undermine a hard-won court victory for public lands and would create more conflict over mines by allowing mining companies to claim an indefinite number of millsites on public lands and block other uses like recreation, conservation, and clean energy. After the House vote, Earthjustice Action Associate Legislative Representative Cameron Walkup issued the following statement:  

“Capping off a year of giveaways to the mining industry, Congress just voted to give mining companies unprecedented control over our public lands. Under this law, they could stake virtually indefinite claims for mill sites to dump toxic waste on our public lands and tie the hands of federal land management agencies to manage those lands for other uses like renewable energy development, conservation, and recreation. Our mining laws still remain woefully outdated, leaving mining-impacted communities, water resources, and precious ecosystems vulnerable to pollution. It’s time to reform our mining laws instead of rewarding bad actors with sweetheart deals that put industry profits over healthy communities and ecosystems.” 

Over 189 groups sent a letter to Members of Congress urging them to oppose the bill.  

Several groups focused on clean energy supply chains and electrification efforts sent a letter to members of Congress opposing the bill.