H.R.1366 - Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1366, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025, aims to clarify regulations regarding hardrock mining mill sites and establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The bill amends Section 2337 of the Revised Statutes to allow for multiple mill sites under an approved plan of operations. It also directs claim maintenance fees from these mill sites into the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, to be used for remediation efforts as outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Expected Effects
The Act would likely lead to increased hardrock mining activity by clarifying the permissible use of mill sites. This could streamline mining operations and potentially increase domestic mineral production. The establishment of the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund could provide resources for cleaning up abandoned mine sites, addressing environmental hazards.
Potential Benefits
- Clarified Regulations: Provides clearer guidelines for locating multiple mill sites, reducing regulatory uncertainty for mining operators.
- Economic Opportunities: Could stimulate economic activity in regions with hardrock mineral deposits.
- Environmental Remediation: Establishes a dedicated fund for cleaning up abandoned hardrock mines, addressing environmental damage.
- Resource Management: Aims to improve the management and utilization of public lands for mining purposes.
- Streamlined Operations: Allows operators to include necessary mill sites within their plan of operations, potentially speeding up project approvals.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Environmental Concerns: Increased mining activity could lead to greater environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction and water pollution.
- Limited Scope of Remediation: The fund's resources may be insufficient to address all abandoned hardrock mine sites.
- Potential for Abuse: Looser regulations on mill sites could be exploited, leading to environmental degradation.
- Lack of Public Input: The bill does not explicitly require public input or consultation in the approval of mining plans.
- Unclear Long-Term Funding: The fund's reliance on claim maintenance fees may create uncertainty about its long-term financial stability.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power under Article I, Section 8, to regulate commerce and manage federal lands. The establishment of the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund falls under Congress's power to collect taxes and appropriate funds for the general welfare. However, potential environmental impacts could raise questions related to the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause if regulations unduly restrict property use without compensation.
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).