A bill to reform mining practices on public lands has been gathering support around the country. Reps. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Rush Holt (D-NJ) introduced legislation in November 2011 that overturns much of the original 1872 mining law signed by then President Ulysses S. Grant. This new legislation, “The Fair Payment for Energy and Mineral Production on Public Lands Act of 2011,” will close loopholes that allow oil and mining companies to drill and mine on public lands for free. This new law raises money from mining companies to pay royalties equivalent to other industries to cover costs for clean water and other safety measures. This legislation will also give communities and local agencies a voice in mine permitting in the United States.

More information: The Fair Payment for Energy and Mineral Production on Public Lands Act of 2011
New York Times Op-Ed: A Mining Law Whose Time Has Passed.