Legislation & Regulation
Legislative and Regulatory Update
July 2022 by Scott Harn
• Extremist groups are at it again
As can be expected, environmental extremist groups have filed suit to stop another mining project. This time, it’s the Excellon Idaho Gold’s Kilgore Gold Exploration Project in Clark County, Idaho.
Some of the usual suspects are involved—the Idaho Conservation League and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.
The groups claim the Forest Service violated environmental laws when they approved exploratory drilling. They claim the Forest Service should have opted for a complete Environmental Impact Statement (EIR) rather than following an Executive Order issued by former President Trump that expedited the review process.
• No sales tax on precious metals in Tennessee
Tennessee became the 42nd state to eliminate sales taxes on precious metals on May 27th.
Lead bill sponsor Bud Hulsey said, “I’ve been working to free gold and silver from sales taxes in Tennessee since my kids were in elementary school. The Sound Money Defense League, in-state dealers, and folks all across Tennessee made their voices heard and helped get this bill across the finish line.”
The only states that still tax precious metal coins and bullion are Vermont, New Jersey, Maine, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Mississippi and Hawaii. The District of Columbia also taxes physical gold and silver purchases.
Minnesota Delays Decision on Mineral Leases
Landowners complained that mineral mining on or near their property could damage property values while leaving them without a cut of potential profits.
Colorado Miner Sues EPA Over 2015 Spill
Hennis claims that months later and without his permission, the EPA built a $2.3 million water treatment facility on the property and the agency continues treating water and storing waste there.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Property rights advocate in running for top BLM spot
- “Draining the swamp” at Interior
Mining Community Loses A Great Leader: Gerald "Jerry" Hobbs
He certainly wasn’t afraid of a fight or a court battle, and he didn’t back away from calling out those who tried to compromise the rights of miners.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Salazar pushes wilderness
• California Governor signs AB 120
Wake Up Voters! Oregon SB 838 Study Group Update
They want to close our roads on public land (built by taxpayer funds) to keep us and our disabled veterans out. And it won’t stop with just mining.
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