H.R. 3713: Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025, proposes the establishment of a new office within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains. The primary focus of this office will be to coordinate and oversee cleanup actions at locations known as covered mine sites, which are areas where hardrock mining operations have occurred but have since stopped, and which may be contaminated.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Definitions

The bill defines several important terms, including:- **Administrator**: Referring to the head of the EPA.- **Cleanup Action**: Actions taken to address contamination at covered mine sites using existing EPA authorities.- **Covered Mine Site**: Areas where mining or processing of hardrock ores or minerals occurred and has since ceased, whether temporarily or permanently.

2. Establishment of the Office

- The bill establishes the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains within the EPA. This office will be led by a Director selected by the EPA Administrator.

3. Purpose and Goals

The main purposes of the new office include:- Coordinating EPA cleanup efforts at covered mine sites, including those on Indian lands.- Establishing best practices for site cleanup, including identifying technologies for cleaning and reusing materials.- Collaborating with various stakeholders, including governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, for voluntary cleanup actions.- Supporting small businesses in getting contracts related to cleanup efforts.

4. Duties of the Office

The office will have several key responsibilities, such as:- Annually identifying prioritized covered mine sites that need cleanup actions and reporting those findings to Congress.- Regularly coordinating efforts with various federal and state agencies, Tribes, and stakeholders to ensure the cleanup processes are efficient and effective.- Developing interagency plans for cleanup actions on abandoned mine sites, specifically focusing on those located within the Navajo Nation.

5. Interagency Coordination

The bill emphasizes the need for cooperation among various federal agencies to establish clear plans and goals for cleaning up contaminated sites, especially in the context of overseeing uranium contamination sites in Indian country.

6. Public Involvement and Support

The office will support consultations with Indian Tribes regarding cleanup actions affecting their lands, thereby ensuring their input and needs are considered in the cleanup processes.

7. Technical Assistance

The bill mandates the provision of technical assistance to states, local governments, Indian Tribes, and other entities engaged in cleanup efforts, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed for effective action.

Relevant Companies

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