Tester’s Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape, Empower Local Stakeholders to Clean Up Abandoned Mines Passes Senate

Senator’s bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act is widely supported by conservation groups, mining industry

Following years of work by U.S. Senator Jon Tester to cut needless red tape and support abandoned mine cleanups in Montana, the Senate last week unanimously passed his bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. Tester’s bill will make it easier for “Good Samaritans” such as state agencies, local governments, Tribes, nonprofits, and other groups, to clean up and improve water quality in and around abandoned hardrock mines. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“Too often when the pollution caused by irresponsible mining companies goes unaddressed, Montana communities are left to clean up their mess,” said Tester. “My bipartisan bill will hold polluters accountable, and cut unnecessary red tape preventing local stakeholders from beginning cleanup efforts. I’m proud to have worked with my Republican colleagues in the Senate to pass this critical legislation to improve life for generations of Montanans, and urge my colleagues in the House to do the same.”

“The Montana Mining Association appreciates Senator Tester’s hard work and partnership to get this across the finish line,” said Matthew Vincent, Executive Director of the Montana Mining Association. “As we work together to reduce impacts, it’s important to recognize and address the scars of the past as we work together on mineral and supply chain security.”  

“The Good Samaritan bill will provide important opportunities for abandoned mine clean-up by NGOs,” said David Strohmaier, Missoula County Commissioner. “There’s more work to be done, but I want to thank Senator Tester for continuing to support Montana communities as we take critical steps to address the large scale pollution caused by abandoned mines.”

The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set up a seven-year Good Samaritan pilot program for abandoned hardrock mine remediation projects. It would also ensure that any states, Tribes, or nonprofits that enter into agreements to clean up abandoned mine lands do not expose themselves to excessive legal liability, and that Good Samaritans have the skills and resources necessary to comply with federal oversight.

This pilot program is designed for lower risk projects that improve water and soil quality or otherwise protect human health. These Good Samaritans cannot be past or present owners of the mines or have any responsibility or liability for the mine waste they are looking to clean up.

Tester has been Montana’s leading advocate for toxic-exposed communities. Just last week, Tester secured nearly $3 million for asbestos health screenings in Libby, and in May, Tester secured $1 million through his bipartisanInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for cleanup projects across Montana with a focus on Havre, Box Elder, and Glacier County. Tester’s IIJA includes $11.3 billion in funding to clean up abandoned mine lands.