Sam Gibbons: “Mining is one of the most important and needed industries in the United States. However, the Bureau of Land Management's…”

“Mining is one of the most important and needed industries in the United States. However, the Bureau of Land Management's decision to enforce a final rule on reclamation bonding of hardrock mineral operations is having a negative impact on large and small miners alike as well as their suppliers, contractors and the economy. Mr. Speaker, the good news is that I have introduced legislation that will transfer the authority of the Bureau of Land Management to require bonds or other financial guarantees for the reclamation of mineral operations to State governments. Once again the current Federal rule is a mandate of action on the States and does not give them the option of solving local problems at local levels. My bill will allow States to work in cooperation with miners, contractors and suppliers to develop a strategy that will protect our public lands while supporting an industry that every American is dependent upon. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1917, the Hardrock Mining Protection Act of 1997. We must protect the future of mining and the thousands of jobs it produces for American families.”