Legislation & Regulation
Legislative and Regulatory Update
May 2012 by Scott Harn
The Northwest Environmental Defense Center (NEDC) has backed out of a lawsuit involving the Eastern Oregon Mining Association, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the suction dredge permit process in Oregon.
The NEDC decided to withdraw from the case rather than face discovery requests from the Eastern Oregon Mining Association and a deposition on standing.
That’s one less roadblock in the case as it moves forward. Congratulations to EOMA and attorney James Buchal.
• The California saga continues
Public Lands for the People (in conjunction with the Western Mining Alliance), the New 49’ers, and the Karuk Tribe (along with the Center for Biological Diversity) have all filed lawsuits against the State of California over the recent suction gold dredging regulations published by the California Department of Fish & Game.
In the meantime, a previous lawsuit filed by Public Lands for the People continues in San Bernardino County Superior Court. In this case, PLP is seeking an injunction against the state to get suction gold dredgers back in the water as soon as possible. Briefs from all parties are due at the end of April, and the next hearing is scheduled for early May 2012.
We can’t stress enough the importance of supporting these lawsuits. We have one shot to overturn this unlawful taking of our property rights and restore our right to mine.
PLP is supporting five lawsuits simultaneously involving the rights of miners. They don’t have big donors to support them—just us. We know times are tough for many of our readers, but we can win this with sufficient funding and PLP can seek reimbursement of attorney fees to fund future efforts.
PLP is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit, staffed by volunteers. Donations are tax-deductible. Information on PLP is available at www.plp2.org
CA Supreme Court Rules Against Rinehart - But There Is A Solution
Even if the California Supreme Court had ruled in favor of Rinehart, suction dredge miners would be facing the wrath of the State Water Resources Control Board...
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Hike in mining claim fees
• Hearing on suction gold dredging in California
• Interior wants mining reform
Miners Win in Montana Water Court
I hope this case inspires some of you. It shows that miners can and do succeed when they are persistent and well-prepared, even when representing themselves against state and federal attorneys in a court of law.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Bill to address Forest Service Travel Management restrictions
• Suction gold dredging challenge finally under way
• EPA nullification bill fails in Idaho
• Another bad bill
EPA Chief to Reconsider Paying Claims Over Mine Waste Spill
“We feel that we can clean up an area that has been abandoned after 100 years of mining,” Lyon said.
MMAC & PLP Update
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Reminder: Annual claim fees due September 1, 2017
- Update on California suction gold dredging
Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill
• Ask the Experts: gold per ton; improving assay method
• Bering Sea Gold—Part II
• Tucson Show Marketing
• Ganes Creek Hits 10 Years—Part I
• Fabulous Florence—The Golden Town of Idaho
• Arizona's Vulture Gold Mine and Lost Dutchman
• Critical Metals: Copper
• Replacing Your 12-Volt Pump
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices
Free:
Ask the Experts: Ionizing mercury
• El Tigre—Unlocking Values in Tailings to Jumpstart a Mine
