Compensation for Gold King Mine Spill Victims
This act authorizes compensation for individuals, organizations, and companies affected by the 2015 Gold King Mine wastewater spill. It covers documented financial losses and physical injuries, but excludes response costs and emotional distress. Those who submitted claims by August 5, 2017, may receive compensation, helping them recover from the incident.
Key points
Compensation for Victims: The act allows for monetary payments to individuals, businesses, and organizations that suffered losses due to the 2015 Gold King Mine spill.
Covered Damages: Compensation can be received for injuries, lost business income (excluding vacation rentals), costs of relocating livestock and providing alternative water, and diminished agricultural crop yields.
Eligibility for Claims: Homeowners, livestock grazers, farmers, and recreation companies or other businesses who submitted a written claim to the Environmental Protection Agency by August 5, 2017, and were not fully compensated, are eligible.
Limitations on Compensation: Compensation does not cover response costs or emotional distress. Payments are limited to actual compensatory damages and the amount originally claimed.
Claim Process: The Environmental Protection Agency has 180 days to determine and fix the amount of compensation. Final decisions by the Agency can be challenged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado within 60 days.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_568
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Process start date: 2025-02-13