Conserving Lands and Areas Incompatible with Mining Act of 2025; CLAIM Act of 2025
Summary
H.R. 6674, also known as the Conserving Lands and Areas Incompatible with Mining Act of 2025 or the CLAIM Act of 2025, amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. The bill updates provisions related to the hardrock mining claim maintenance fee. It adjusts fees based on proximity to covered areas like National Parks and National Monuments and introduces user fees for administering the requirements.
Expected Effects
The CLAIM Act will likely increase the cost of maintaining mining claims, especially those near protected areas. This could reduce mining activity in those areas and generate additional revenue for the government. The revenue is earmarked for administering mining laws and for specific programs like the Tribal Historic Preservation Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for environmental conservation and historic preservation.
- Discourages mining activities near national parks and monuments, protecting these areas.
- Provides exemptions for small miners, potentially supporting local economies.
- Adjusts fees to account for inflation, ensuring continued funding for relevant programs.
- Clarifies definitions related to mining activities and covered areas, reducing ambiguity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for mining companies, potentially leading to job losses or reduced investment in the mining sector.
- Complex fee structure based on proximity to covered areas may create administrative challenges.
- Potential for legal challenges related to the definition of 'casual use' and 'small miner'.
- The act may disproportionately affect mining operations in certain states or regions.
- User fees could add an additional financial burden on mining operations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate commerce and manage federal lands under Article I, Section 8. The allocation of funds to specific programs may be subject to scrutiny under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) to ensure it serves the general welfare. The act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).