Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have reintroduced the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act. The bipartisan bill aims to formally establish the Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) has introduced a corresponding version in the House.
The Government Accountability Office estimates that there are about 140,000 abandoned hardrock mines in the United States, mainly located in western states. These sites often contain unsecured mine tunnels and toxic waste piles, presenting hazards across both federal and nonfederal lands. The Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains was originally created in 2020 during the Trump Administration at the EPA to serve as a central coordinating entity for addressing issues specific to abandoned hardrock mines in the Western U.S.
“Protecting Wyoming and the west’s treasured landscapes requires moving beyond Washington’s typical one-size-fits-all mentality,” said Lummis. “We need region-specific strategies that respect our western communities and the unique challenges we face. I’m pleased to again work with Senator Kelly to give this important office permanent standing so it can build meaningful partnerships with states, tribes, and local stakeholders.”
“In Arizona, abandoned uranium mines continue to threaten the health of our families, our land, and our water,” said Kelly. “By cutting red tape, strengthening accountability, and improving coordination, we can accelerate cleanups and protect communities, especially tribal nations that have carried this burden for far too long.”
The proposed legislation seeks to provide ongoing support for regional strategies focused on cleaning up hazardous mining sites while fostering cooperation among state governments, tribal authorities, and local organizations.
