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US SB544
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/12/2025
Primary Sponsor
Catherine Cortez Masto
Click for details
AI Summary
- Allows hardrock mining operators to locate multiple mill sites on public land as needed for waste rock disposal, tailings disposal, and other operations incident to mineral development, with each individual mill site limited to 5 acres
- Establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund in the U.S. Treasury, funded by claim maintenance fees collected on mill sites located under this act
- Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to spend from the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund without further appropriations to carry out abandoned mine land reclamation under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
- Mill sites located under this act do not convey mineral rights and are not eligible for patenting (transfer to private ownership)
- Preserves existing federal authority to regulate mining activities and does not expand mining rights on withdrawn lands, wilderness areas, national parks, or other protected areas
Legislative Description
Mining Regulatory Clarity Act
Environmental protection
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 334.
2/11/2026
Committee Referrals
Energy And Natural Resources2/12/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available