EARTHWORKS joins conservation and Native American groups in challenging Bush-era mining giveaways

Oct 20 --A coalition of conservation and Native American organizations today filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Washington, D.C. challenging two regulations issued by the Bush Administration that weakened the requirements for environmental and taxpayer protections on federal public land involved in mining operations.

• Read the press release here.
• Read the lawsuit.

New Bingaman Mining Legislation Would Bring Tens of Thousands of Jobs to Rural Communities

Apr 02 -- For the first time in over a decade, the Senate is moving forward with reform of one of the most archaic policies governing our public lands.

Senator Bingaman has introduced S. 796, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009, to regulate the mining of hardrock minerals -- like gold, copper and uranium -- on public lands.

• Read the press release here.
• Read the Energy and Natural Resource Committee's summary of S. 796.
• Read the full text of S. 796.
• Learn more about mining reform and why we need it.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY BILLS CREATES JOBS THROUGH MINE CLEANUP

Feb 14 -- Thanks in part to your action the economic recovery plan contains as much as $1.5 billion dollars for abandoned mine cleanup throughout the United States. These projects will generate thousands of new jobs and improve public and community health around the country.

• Read the press release here.
• Read a detailed summary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act here.

Congressman Rahall reintroduces mining reform bill

Jan 27 -- Rep. Rahall (D-WV) has reintroduced the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act in the 111th Congress, paving the way for the modernization of the antiquated 1872 mining law.

• Read our press release here.
• Read the press release from the House Natural Resources Committee here.
• Read about the 1872 Mining Law here.
• Read EARTHWORKS' fact sheet for HR 699 here.