Legislation & Regulation
Vindication for Montana Veteran Joe Robertson
August 2019 by Scott Harn
Under the previous administration, the EPA declared the ditch was a federally-protected waterway, and Robertson needed a federal permit under the Clean Water Act.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Idaho miners will challenge new EPA permit at rally
• California proposes to amend definition of a suction dredge
• Proposed rule redefines "navigable waters"
Today's MSHA
We all know that it was never Congress’ intent to regulate gold panners and other individual mine operators through MSHA. In fact, I believe the concept of owner-operated mines with no employees was so strange a concept to the lawmakers that they never even thought there would be a need for such an exemption.
PLP and MMAC Update
We have an opportunity to make significant and substantial changes to provide relief for small miners with the Trump Administration and the current makeup of Congress. We realize the time to act is now, but we need your help.
The Dredge Report

Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Bills introduced to stop federal management of greater sage grouse
• WOTUS under review
• Congressional Review Act
SB 838 and the Salem Witch Hunt
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
• Judge refuses to grant preliminary injuction to end suction gold dredging moratorium in California
• Proposed listing of Yellow-legged frog and Yosemite Toad in northern California
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The Bawl Mill
• Our Readers Say
• Ask The Experts - What is a 'wissbanger'?
• Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Papa's Got A Brand New Dredge!
• Selecting A Low-Risk Region To Explore, Mine or Invest
• Resurrecting An Old Hard Rock Mine--The Saga Continues
• Research Tools for The Modern Prospector
• Silver Peak, Nevada: A Little of Everything
• Green Returns And Opportunity Is Almost Gone
• Vehicles Equal Moving Deductions for Mining Operations
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices