Your Voice is Needed to Reform Antiquated Mining Laws

Image: Kody Goodson.

Reforming America’s outdated hardrock mining policy has been a longtime priority for the outdoor recreation community. In May, we celebrated the introduction of the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act, a bill to protect treasured landscapes and recreation from mining while also creating much-needed standards to ensure responsible mining practices. You can read our letter on this bill here.

In addition to the Clean Energy Mineral Reform Act, the Biden Administration is looking for public input on how to improve mining policy to meet environmental standards, improve efficiency, and protect communities from pollution and other negative effects of mining. Earlier this year, the Department of Interior announced an interagency team to craft recommendations for improving U.S. hardrock mining laws, regulations, and permitting. As a part of this process, Interior is seeking public feedback to inform priorities as they develop their recommendations. You can read Outdoor Alliance’s comment letter to Interior here.

This comment period is an opportunity to finally bring mining policy into the 21st century to protect outdoor recreation resources and landscapes, respect Indigenous rights, and prevent pollution and harm to public lands and waters. With the demand for critical minerals projected to increase to support renewable energy initiatives, it’s even more important that we modernize our mining laws to ensure that mining is safe for our communities and landscapes.

Proposed and active mines threaten some of our most cherished landscapes across the country. From the South Fork Salmon River and the Grand Canyon, proposed mines can cause irreversible damage to outdoor recreation opportunities; the health of surrounding habitat, lands, and waters; and local and Indigenous communities. In addition, at least 140,000 abandoned mines throughout America leave behind toxic waste, damaging surrounding areas and recreation resources in areas like the Animas River.

In fact, 40% of headwaters across the West have been polluted by abandoned mines, causing serious risks for those who enjoy water-based recreation. Current mining laws elevate mining as the “highest and best use” of public lands, letting mining companies go to the front of the line without adequate safeguards for conservation values and outdoor recreation. In addition, the mining industry currently pays no royalties on the riches they extract, and there are no standard practices required to minimize pollution and waste produced by mines. These antiquated laws and policies do not best reflect the values and benefits of public lands and the growing outdoor recreation economy. 

Now, the Department of Interior is accepting comments as its interagency working group develops recommendations on mining reform. We know first-hand that public comments have a significant effect on how decision-makers proceed. Using the tool below, take two minutes to send a comment that will be delivered directly to Interior on how critical mining reform is for protecting outdoor recreation and public lands. The Interior just extended the comment deadline from July 31 to August 30.