Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024

1/14/2025, 5:12 PM
Congress
118

Number
S - 2781

Introduced on
2023-09-13

# Amendments
1

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/31/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President
Signed by President

Purpose and Summary

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024

This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue.

The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue certain permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without being subject to enforcement or liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site.

In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.

Bill 118 s 2781, also known as the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of abandoned hardrock mines that pose environmental and public health risks.

The bill aims to encourage private entities and individuals, known as "Good Samaritans," to voluntarily clean up and remediate abandoned hardrock mines by providing liability protections. These protections would shield Good Samaritans from certain legal liabilities that may arise during the cleanup process, such as liability for pollution caused by the original mine operators.

Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program to provide funding for Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects at abandoned hardrock mines. This funding would help cover the costs associated with cleanup efforts, such as water treatment, soil remediation, and habitat restoration. Overall, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 aims to incentivize and support the cleanup of abandoned hardrock mines to protect the environment and public health. It seeks to address the challenges associated with these abandoned mines by providing liability protections and financial assistance to those willing to take on the task of remediation.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to promote remediation of abandoned hardrock mines, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Environmental Protection

Potential Impact
Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government information and archives
Government trust funds
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Intergovernmental relations
Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Mining
Pollution liability
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Soil pollution
State and local government operations
Water quality

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/6/2024

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024

This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owne...


Latest Action12/17/2024
Became Public Law No: 118-155.