©2026 League of Conservation Voters
Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV) sponsored 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 MRCA would only further weaken existing regulations and give another handout to a polluting industry that has a track record of sticking taxpayers with 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 and transmission projects on public lands. MRCA would allow mining companies to dump mining waste on public lands without limit, oversight, or community input, all in the name of benefiting polluters. 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. The full Senate took no action on this legislation in 2025.
©2026 League of Conservation Voters