Edward Markey actually said...

"Real and meaningful reform of the 1872 Mining Law is needed to protect both taxpayers and the environment."

"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."