Vindication for Montana Veteran Joe Robertson
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
- Administration issues proposals to fix mining access and permitting
- Online “webinar” and request for comments for proposed Forest Service NEPA revisions
Mining Organizations Unite To Petition For Rule Change
The petition seeks specific changes to existing Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management regulations to restore the intent of Congress and federal preemption.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- House appropriations bills introduced
- Two Minnesota hardrock mining leases reinstated
- Equal Access to Justice Act
A 'Rare' Opportunity for America
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.
Comments Needed On Pebble Project Draft EIS
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.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Bernhardt confirmed
- State of Montana to appeal Rock Creek decision
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Bishop and Curtis seek to rein in Antiquities Act abuses
- Lands bill signed by President Trump
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Massive 660-page lands bill passed in the Senate
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Oregon miners petition US Supreme Court in Bohmker v. Oregon
- Wheeler receives hearing as EPA administrator
PLP Update
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.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Zinke leaving office
- Property rights triumph over critical habitat says Supreme Court
- Water of the United States
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- November elections
- Anti-mining ballot initiative rejected in Montana
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Some mining claim fees increase
- Oregon miners file appeal
- US Fish & Wildlife law enforcement policing powers restrained
PLP Update
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).
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Interior Department reigns in “sue and settle”
- Comments needed on Forest Service Part 228 regulations
Uphill Battle Continues for California Dredgers
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.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Forest Service to revisit 228 regulations
• WOTUS Executive Order suspended
PLP Update
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…
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Pruitt out at EPA
• NDAA still under negotiation
• AMRA’s California mining bill fails to reach floor vote