Washington, D.C. — In response to the introduction of House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ-03) and Senator Tom Udall’s (D-NM) House and Senate mining reform bills, the League of Conservation Voters issued the following statement from Madeleine Foote, Deputy Legislative Director:

“LCV greatly appreciates the leadership of Chairman Grijalva, Subcommittee Chair Lowenthal, and Senator Udall in proposing legislation to finally reform our nation’s outdated hardrock mining law. Designed for a time when mining consisted of a man and his pick ax, the archaic law currently allows mining companies to pillage our public lands without paying any royalties to taxpayers while also leaving behind polluted drinking water and forcing our communities to clean up their mess.”

“As the demand for critical minerals increases with the growth of renewable energy, it is more important than ever for us to get mining reform right and put public health and the environment above the interests of dirty mining companies. We encourage Congress to move quickly to pass these important bills.”

# # #