AZ SCM1005

Urges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to extend the public comment period by at least 120 days for its proposed rule (EPA-HQ-SFUND-2015-0781) imposing financial assurance requirements on hardrock mining industry under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Opposes the proposed rule on grounds that it duplicates existing state and federal financial assurance programs, including Arizona's Aquifer Protection Permit Program and Mined Land Reclamation Program, which already have developed staff and expertise to determine appropriate financial assurance amounts.

References opposition from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, Western Governors Association, and Interstate Mining Compact Commission, all opposing the rule as costly and unnecessary given existing state regulatory programs are functioning effectively.

Requests EPA withdraw the proposed rule entirely and defer regulation to existing state and federal programs rather than creating overlapping federal requirements.

Directs Arizona's Secretary of State to transmit the memorial to the President, Congress members from Arizona, EPA Administrator, and Arizona Governor.