Legislation & Regulation

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.

• Administration issues proposals to fix mining access and permitting
• Online “webinar” and request for comments for proposed Forest Service NEPA revisions

The petition seeks specific changes to existing Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management regulations to restore the intent of Congress and federal preemption.

• House appropriations bills introduced
• Two Minnesota hardrock mining leases reinstated
• Equal Access to Justice Act

All of which brings us back to the question of why we rely so heavily on China in the first place. America’s economy is heavily dependent upon energy and telecommunications, but does that require Chinese manufacturing? Clearly not.

If you do not have the time to read the entire document, I would suggest starting with the Executive Summary that begins on page 80.

• Bernhardt confirmed
• State of Montana to appeal Rock Creek decision

• Bishop and Curtis seek to rein in Antiquities Act abuses
• Lands bill signed by President Trump

• Massive 660-page lands bill passed in the Senate

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

We now have supporters who are well known and connected in Washington, DC, and who state they will assist us in bypassing lower level staffers and getting us face-to-face meetings with Senators.

• Zinke leaving office
• Property rights triumph over critical habitat says Supreme Court
• Water of the United States

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

• Some mining claim fees increase
• Oregon miners file appeal
• US Fish & Wildlife law enforcement policing powers restrained

During discussions with other property rights advocates and members of the current administration, Karen Budd-Falen’s name was mentioned many times as a possible director for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

• Interior Department reigns in “sue and settle”
• Comments needed on Forest Service Part 228 regulations

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.

• Forest Service to revisit 228 regulations
• WOTUS Executive Order suspended

We are in the planning stages for our next trip to DC. Clark and I are looking at returning after the mid-term elections, probably around the end of November or early December, to continue discussions with members of Congress…

• Pruitt out at EPA
• NDAA still under negotiation
• AMRA’s California mining bill fails to reach floor vote