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Briefing: New Mexicans throw support behind mining reform
On September 26, 2007, New Mexico stakeholders and experts hosted a telebriefing to discuss the impacts of mining in the state and how Senator Bingaman’s leadership on reforming the antiquated 1872 Mining Law could help. Past mining operations in New Mexico have left their mark — contaminated streams and soils, dangerous mine wastes spread through communities, polluted and lost groundwater, loss of fish, threats to wildlife and to people. Considering that New Mexico saw a 50% increase in active mine claims between January of 2003 and July of 2007 (from 7,550 to 11,348), the future of mining-related problems in the state could increase significantly unless the 1872 Mining Law is reformed. Also discussed during this call were the September 27, 2007 hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Natural Resource Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources October 2, 2007 hearing on H.R. 2262, The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007.
Participants
- Jane Danowitz, Pew Campaign for Responsible Mining
- Kent Salazar, President, New Mexico Wildlife Federation
- Chris Shuey, Southwest Research and Information Center
- Gregory Green, National Environmental Trust New Mexico (moderator)
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