Alan Lowenthal actually said...

"Not only could we create a permitting system designed specifically for hardrock mining and establish a reclamation program for abandoned hardrock mines, we could also finally make it so that companies..."

"The hardrock mining industry has no less of a responsibility than the coal industry."

"The roughly half-million abandoned hardrock mines that litter this country are a huge public safety and environmental problem."

"We do need mines. I am not saying we don't. We do need mines, there is no question about it. But we don't need to continue operating under a law that says mines are all we need."