Legislative and Regulatory Update

July 2019 by Scott Harn

• Administration issues proposals to fix mining access and permitting
The Trump Administration released an interagency report titled, “A Federal Strategy to Ensure a Reliable Supply of Critical Minerals.” The document establishes goals and makes recommendations to achieve President Trump’s objectives laid out in Executive Order 13817 in order to create a reliable US supply chain for critical minerals.

The recommendations related to minerals involve all types of mining, not just mining for critical minerals. Specific recommendations are made to expedite permitting, revise Travel Management Plans, curb mineral withdrawals, and much more.

We are encouraged that many of the recommendations we made during out trips in Washington, DC, with Public Lands for the People are included in the proposals.

Check the PLP Update column later is in this issue for a full review.

• Online “webinar” and request for comments for proposed Forest Service NEPA regulation revisions
On June 13, the Forest Service published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments as the agency seeks to revise its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations.

The agency states it intends to increase efficiency, reduce timelines for approval, and possibly utilize categorical exclusions in some cases.

The Federal Register Notice is available online here.

The agency will provide an online “webinar” on July 12, 2019, from 3:30-5:00pm Eastern Time. You can call in at 1-877-369-5243 or 1-617-688-3633. The access code is 0849770#.

Or you can watch it on your desktop or device by visiting https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/neparule-1000/

Public comments are due in writing by August 12, 2019.

Comments can be submitted by one of the following methods:

Public participation portal (preferred):
   https://www.regulations.gov/

By mail:
   NEPA Services Group
   c/o Amy Barker; USDA Forest Service
   125 South State Street, Suite 1705
   Salt Lake City, UT 84138.

By email:
   nepa-procedures-revision@fs.fed.us

by Scott Harn

Legislative and Regulatory Update

March 2021

• Additional access restrictions proposed in Arizona
• Oregon senators introduce bill to place state rivers and streams off-limits

MMAC & PLP Update

September 2016
We definitely got their undivided attention with our presentations. As a direct result of our presentations, the Desert Advisory Council recommended a Memorandum of Understanding be put together between the council and the Rand Mining District. This MOU was recently completed. 

SB 838 and the Salem Witch Hunt

December 2015
In every sense, this was a witch hunt with a preconceived agenda to heavily restrict or outright prohibit most small-scale mining in Oregon.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

June 2015
• California dredging update
• Favorable bills in Congress

Revised Dredge Regulations Published for California—Pure Garbage

March 2012
We can’t say it wasn’t expected. The California Department of Fish & Game released revised suction gold dredging regulations on February 17, 2012, and it’s obvious the agency wants to make life as difficult as possible for dredgers.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

January 2012
• IBLA rules against miner for "late" filing
• Wyoming appeals roadless decision
• Mercury reduction program slated for California
• Oregon wilderness
• Oregon miner prevails in lawsuit against Forest Service and District Ranger
• Canada pulls out of Kyoto Climate Treaty

Oregon Miners File for Summary Judgment

January 2016
On November 30, 2015, the Galice Mining District (with the support of the Waldo Mining District), along with several Oregon mining associations and individuals, filed a Motion for Summary Judgment against the State of Oregon and SB 838...

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