FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 11, 2024

Contacts:

Nadia Marji, VP of Marketing & Communications [email protected]

Washington, D.C. – After decades of advocacy by conservation groups, hunters, and anglers, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) celebrates the passage of the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act (S. 2781) by voice vote in the House of Representatives yesterday evening. 

This “Good Samaritan” bill authorizes a pilot program that would allow a limited number of permits to carry out remediation projects on abandoned hardrock mine sites. These permits would allow state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits to clean up abandoned mine sites without assuming future liability. Currently, only the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to treat discharged mine water from abandoned sites; “Good Samaritans” would be permanently liable for the site and any remaining pollution, if they clean up any mine waste. 

As North America’s leading public lands advocacy group, BHA has strongly supported “Good Samaritan” legislation since inception. The bill was previously passed unanimously by the Senate on July 31, 2024, led by Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Risch (R-ID). Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Mary Peltola (D-AK) led the effort to pass this legislation in the House of Representatives. 

“Members of BHA know that clean, quality water is paramount to the health and longevity of our shared wild spaces,” said BHA President & CEO Patrick Berry. “The passage of this ‘Good Samaritan’ bill is a major step forward for better stewardship of our public lands and waters. We extend our gratitude to Reps. Maloy and Peltola, and look forward to President Biden signing this bill into law as soon as possible.” 

An estimated 33,000 abandoned hardrock mine sites actively contaminate our rivers and streams, which is why hunters and anglers have long advocated for “Good Samaritan” legislation to address acid mine drainage and other toxic pollution that compromises the health of treasured public landscapes. 

“The largest source of pollution on our public lands and waters are abandoned hardrock mine sites with an estimated 40% of western headwaters impacted by mine tailings and runoff,” said BHA Government Relations Manager Kaden McArthur. “Once signed into law, this legislation will improve water quality and landscape health, necessary for hunters and anglers to pursue our outdoor traditions in a natural setting.” 

As the leading advocate for our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife, BHA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the access and opportunities provided by our shared natural resources—regardless of who holds office in the administration or Congress. To learn more about the issues important to BHA’s membership, visit www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues. To ensure your voice as a Public Land Owner is heard, join BHA today.