©2026 League of Conservation Voters
2025 Recent Vote
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Issues
Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV) introduced H.R. 1366, the so-called Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (MRCA), which would convey rights to permanently occupy public lands to any mining claimant, including foreign mining companies, without proof of recoverable minerals. Mining on public lands is governed by the antiquated 1872 Mining Law, and the MRCA only further weakens existing regulations and gives another handout to a polluting industry that has a track record of sticking taxpayers with their toxic messes. Under this bill, anyone — for a nominal fee — could gain permanent rights to occupy public lands and preclude all other uses, even if there is nothing worthwhile to mine. These claims would lead to unintended consequences, including preventing recreational, traditional and cultural uses, as well as renewable energy development and transmission on public lands. The MRCA allows mining companies to claim indefinite millsites on public lands with limited oversight, opening the way for development of infrastructure and dumping mining waste across public lands beyond the mining claim without community input, all in the name of potential, unproven resources. On December 18, the House approved H.R. 1366 by a vote of 219-198 (House roll call vote 358). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.
©2026 League of Conservation Voters