Issues
Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV) sponsored H.R. 2925, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024, which would give any mine claimant – including foreign mining companies – rights to permanently occupy public lands. Under this bill, anyone – for a nominal fee – could gain permanent rights to occupy public lands and preclude all other uses, even without evidence of minerals available to mine. This would lead to unintended consequences, including preventing recreational, traditional and cultural uses, and renewable energy development and transmission on public lands under the claim. On May 8, the House approved H.R. 2925 by a vote of 216-195 (House roll call vote 191). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. The Senate took no action on this legislation.