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S 2741

Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Mark Kelly and 1 co-sponsor

The Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 establishes an EPA office to coordinate cleanup of contaminated mining sites, improving health for affected communities and supporting small businesses.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2741

Summary of S. 2741 - Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025

Overview

The Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 (S. 2741) aims to establish the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This office will focus on coordinating cleanup efforts for contaminated sites resulting from past hardrock mining activities, particularly in regions affected by such operations.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance the EPA's ability to address environmental contamination at covered mine sites. By creating a dedicated office, the bill seeks to streamline cleanup efforts, promote best practices, and facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state governments, and tribal nations.

Key Provisions

  1. Establishment of the Office:

    • The Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains will be created within the EPA, headed by a Director appointed by the EPA Administrator.

  2. Coordination and Best Practices:

    • The office will coordinate cleanup actions at covered mine sites, including those located in Indian country.
    • It will establish and disseminate best practices for cleanup, focusing on innovative technologies and waste management solutions.

  3. Cleanup Actions:

    • The bill defines "cleanup actions" as activities taken to address contamination at covered mine sites, utilizing existing EPA authorities.
    • The office will prioritize sites for cleanup and report annually to Congress on its findings.

  4. Interagency Collaboration:

    • The office will work with various federal agencies, including the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Energy, to ensure a comprehensive approach to mine site cleanup.

  5. Support for Small Businesses:

    • The legislation encourages contracting opportunities for small businesses to participate in cleanup efforts, aligning with federal procurement regulations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Communities: Residents near contaminated mine sites, particularly in rural and tribal areas, may benefit from improved environmental conditions and public health.
  • Stakeholders: Federal and state agencies, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and private companies involved in mining or environmental remediation will be directly impacted by the office's initiatives and cleanup actions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: September 9, 2025, by Senators Mark Kelly and Cynthia M. Lummis.
  • Current Status: The bill has been favorably reported by the Committee on Environment and Public Works and is placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
  • Related Legislation: The bill has a companion in the House, HR 3713.

Conclusion

The Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 represents a significant step towards addressing the environmental legacy of hardrock mining in the United States. By establishing a dedicated office within the EPA, the bill aims to enhance coordination, promote best practices, and ultimately improve environmental health in affected communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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