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For Additional Information:
John Grasser (202) 463-2651
Karen Batra (202) 463-2651
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2001
MEDIA ADVISORY
Who:
National Mining Spokespersons
What:
Available for comment on Bush Administration's proposal to suspend
the newly-promulgated 3809 regulations governing hardrock mining
and reinstatement of the former 3809 regulations.
When:
Wednesday, May 9, 2001
Activist Groups' Position on Mining Regulations Ignores Sound Science
Industry opponents and activist groups are criticizing the Bush
Administration for its pursuit of balance between the important
goals of environmental protection and responsible development of
our nation's mineral resources. The misinformation campaigns of
these groups clearly contradict the Congressionally-mandated National
Academy of Sciences Study, Hardrock Mining of Federal Lands, and
their inaccurate depiction of these issues has served only to confuse
the American public.
We have attached a fact sheet that will set the record straight
on these important issues and we will be available to answer any
additional questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call
us for input to your articles.
The U.S. mining industry produces coal, metals, building materials,
and many other essential minerals that define the daily lives of
267 million Americans. The mining industry generates over $500 billion
in total economic benefit each year and helps to sustain nearly
5 million U.S. jobs.
Setting the Record Straight on Hardrock Mining Regulations
The U.S. Interior Department is proposing to suspend the newly-promulgated
3809 regulations and reinstating the pre-existing rules governing
hardrock mining on public lands. The new rules, issued in the final
days of the Clinton Administration, are in direct conflict with
the findings of an independent study conducted by the National Academy
of Sciences.
The NAS study supports suspension of the new 3809 rules.
Congress called for a National Academy of Sciences study to assess
the effectiveness of the existing 3809 regulations. The study, "Hardrock
Mining on Federal Lands," concluded that the existing array
of federal and state laws is generally effective in protecting the
environment, and improvements in the implementation of existing
regulations present the greatest opportunity for improving environmental
protection and efficiency of the regulatory process.
The new 3809 rules were promulgated illegally.
The FY 2000 Interior Appropriations bill prohibited the promulgation
of any new 3809 rules except for those "which are not inconsistent"
with the recommendations in the NAS study. The new 3809 regulations
are clearly inconsistent with the NAS study.
Industry opponents are DEAD WRONG when they say suspending the
new 3809 rules reverses rules requiring mining companies to pay
for clean-up of their sites.
Bonding is required on all major mining operations, and the mining
industry supports the National Academy of Sciences recommendation
that the bonding requirement be expanded to include reclamation
of disturbances to the environment caused by all mining activities
beyond those classified as casual use.
Suspension of the new 3809 rules will NOT change how the placement
and disposal of mining wastes is regulated. The placement and disposal
of mining wastes is strictly regulated on federal, state, and private
lands through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
and the Clean Water Act as well as numerous state laws and regulations
protecting ground water resources. Suspension of the new 3809 rules
will not alter the industry's compliance with these important environmental
statutes.
The mining industry is NOT fighting to rollback or lessen any necessary
environmental regulations.
The mining industry supports and complies with a numerous local,
state and federal environmental laws and regulations and supports
the addition of any new rules consistent with the recommendations
of the NAS study.
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