Pew Campaign for Responsible Mining

Experts React to Chairman Rahall's New Mining Reform Effort

On the anniversary of the 1872 mining law, the Pew Campaign for Responsible Mining hosted a press briefing to react to a new effort by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, to reform the 19th century law that for 135 years has governed the mining of gold, uranium and other metals on public lands in the West. The briefing was held on May 10, 2007.

Experts discussed unique opportunities emerging in this Congress to secure reform for a law that was last seriously debated by lawmakers in 1994. The Pew Campaign briefing provided reactions to the current reform effort and shared information about mining's increasing impact on communities, taxpayers and habitat in the West.

Listen to the briefing [mp3, 3.5 megs]

Participants

John Leshy, former U.S. Department of Interior Solicitor, University of California-Hastings Distinguished Professor of Law
Oscar Simpson, National Wildlife Federation, New Mexico
Jill Lancelot, Taxpayers for Common Sense
Jane Danowitz, Director, Pew Campaign for Responsible Mining (Moderator)