U.S. Representative John Salazar has signed on to co-sponsor H.R. 2262, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, according to The Crested Butte News. From the article:
A trip to Washington, D.C. by representatives of the Town of Crested Butte is bearing fruit this week as U.S. Congressman John Salazar (D-Colo.) signed on to co-sponsor H.R. 2262, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. "In the 135 years since its passage, the National Mining Law of 1872 has not been updated once," said Salazar in a press release dated October 2. "Colorado has seen first hand the result of abandoned mines on the landscape, in polluted waters, and left over mine waste."
Last month, Crested Butte town manager Susan Parker and attorney John Belkin traveled to Washington, D.C. with hopes to be asked back to testify on behalf of the bill. H.R. 2262 would reform the 1872 Mining Law, which allows the transfer of public lands for mining claims at the cost of $5 per acre. The reform bill seeks to encourage federal agencies to balance competing interests of the land when evaluating mining claims, and would recognize the value of land for other uses such as recreation. The reform bill would also add a provision addressing reclamation, currently not included in the mining law...
The Subcommittee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on October 2 on H.R. 2262. It was the first step in moving the legislation through Congress. Congress has tried to amend the Mining Law of 1872 several times in the previous 135 years, including 12 years ago when both the House and the Senate passed reform bills but Congress adjourned before an agreement could be reached between the two chambers. "I have heard from constituents in Crested Butte, the Summitville area, and around the 3rd [District] who want to protect our precious water resources," concluded Salazar. "After 135 years, I believe it is time for Congress to act." Senator Ken Salazar is also currently exploring his position on Lucky Jack Molybdenum Project and mining law reform. Senator Salazar will visit with elected officials and community members at Western State College at the Kebler Ballroom at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9.
More Coyote Gulch coverage here.
"colorado water"
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