The current administration is receptive; we believe the time is ripe to push for a return to reasonable regulations and to restore mining to a priority for public lands as long as some new crisis doesn’t take precedent.

• November elections
• Anti-mining ballot initiative rejected in Montana

There are currently three controlling agencies or entities over suction dredging in California—and you can make that four if the state legislature decides to further muddy the waters with additional legislation to block suction gold dredging in the state.

• Oregon miners petition US Supreme Court in Bohmker v. Oregon
• Wheeler receives hearing as EPA administrator