S. 2741: Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025

The Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 aims to address the environmental issues caused by past hardrock mining activities. It proposes the establishment of a dedicated office within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains. This office will focus on coordinating cleanup actions for sites that have been contaminated due to mining, including areas in Indian country.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Office Establishment: The bill creates the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains, tasked with overseeing cleanup actions at contaminated mine sites.
• Director Appointment: The office will be headed by a Director, appointed by the Administrator of the EPA.
• Cleanup Actions: The office will coordinate cleanup efforts at sites affected by past mining activities, using existing EPA authorities. These actions may include measures under various environmental laws, like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
• Best Practices: The office will develop and share best practices for mine site cleanup, including innovative technologies and effective waste management solutions.
• Collaboration and Coordination: The office will create partnerships with various stakeholders such as federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations to facilitate voluntary cleanup efforts. It will also help small businesses to participate in cleanup contracts.
• Priority Cleanup Lists: The bill mandates the Administrator to create and update a list of prioritized mine sites annually, which are identified for cleanup. This list will inform Congress about the status and methodologies used in cleanup efforts.
• Improving Processes: The bill directs the Administrator to improve processes related to site assessments, remedial investigations, and feasibility studies for cleanup, as well as to coordinate research into effective cleanup technologies.
• Interagency Plans: It requires the development of long-term interagency plans for the cleanup of uranium contamination in sites located within the Navajo Nation, with progress reports provided to Congress.
• Technical Assistance: The bill provides for technical assistance to states, local governments, and tribes regarding cleanup actions.

Coverage and Scope

The bill covers a variety of mine sites, including those on federal, state, tribal, and local lands that have suffered from hardrock mining activities. It specifically addresses the needs of communities affected by these sites, particularly focusing on the coordination of efforts in regions like Indian country.

Exclusions

The bill clarifies that it does not grant the EPA any new regulatory authority beyond what is already established by law, nor does it set default standards for cleanup actions at the covered mine sites.

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