Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025. The proposed legislation aims to codify the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMDP) within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), enhancing coordination among Federal, State, and Tribal authorities for hardrock mine cleanup. It also seeks to ensure congressional oversight of the office.
The bill emphasizes prioritizing responsible mine cleanup in Arizona over green initiatives and bolstering outreach to local and Tribal authorities. This is intended to give them a voice in projects affecting their health and environment. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) joins as the Democratic co-lead in the House, while Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) lead a companion bill in the Senate.
Until the 1970s, mine operators could abandon sites post-mining activities, leaving behind toxic waste and unsecured tunnels. The Government Accountability Office estimates around 140,000 abandoned hardrock mines exist in the U.S., mainly in western states. These sites pose health risks, including contamination of water sources. Over 500 such sites are on Navajo Nation land.
The OMDP was established by the Trump administration's EPA in 2020 but lacks congressional authorization. It has been effective in planning cleanup activities and conducting outreach efforts with local offices assisting EPA regional cleanups.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed support: "I want to thank Congressmen Eli Crane and Greg Stanton, Senators Mark Kelly and Cynthia Lummis, and all those involved in the introduction of the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act. This legislation is a critical step forward in addressing the long-standing health and environmental impacts of abandoned hardrock mines, especially on the Navajo Nation."
Rep. Eli Crane emphasized responsible mining practices: "As we work to support domestic mining of critical minerals, it’s crucial that we remain committed to doing so responsibly." He added that this bipartisan legislation would ensure timely cleanup with increased congressional oversight.
Rep. Greg Stanton highlighted community risks: "Abandoned hardrock mines put Arizona communities—especially Tribal nations—at a high risk of exposure to substances that are hazardous to their long-term health." He noted that their bipartisan effort aims to mitigate these threats swiftly while ensuring stronger local authority involvement.
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