Edward Markey actually said...

"Hardrock mining companies should be required to pay a royalty similar to what other extractive industries pay, a 12.5 percent royalty."

"A $200 million reclamation fee similar to the one that is in Mr. Markey's new legislation, H.R. 3446, would clean up mines and also create at least 13,000 jobs."

"upwards of $300 billion can be collected from going down that route, whereas only $600 million can be collected from the route that the majority is proposing over the next 10 years."

"While I believe that the supercommittee process is deeply flawed, the Natural Resources Committee has the opportunity to do something positive for the environment and taxpayers."