EPA Office Established to Accelerate Cleanup of Abandoned Mine Sites.
This law establishes a new Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dedicated to coordinating and accelerating the cleanup of lands contaminated by historical hardrock mining activities. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality and ensure safer water and land in affected regions. It also mandates the development of 10-year plans specifically targeting the cleanup of abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation lands, crucial for local community health.
Key points
Creation of a dedicated EPA Office to prioritize and coordinate the removal of contamination from abandoned mine sites, including heavy metals and uranium.
Mandate for annual creation of a priority list of the most contaminated mine sites requiring urgent cleanup, increasing federal transparency and focus.
Requirement to develop a 10-year federal plan specifically targeting the cleanup of abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation lands, involving multiple federal agencies.
Promotion of contracting opportunities for small businesses in cleanup actions and dissemination of best practices and innovative remediation technologies.
Passed Senate
Citizen Poll