Crane Reintroduces Mine Cleanup Bill with Stanton

Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) has reintroduced his Legacy Mine Cleanup Act with a new cosponsor in the form of Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ).

As Cactus Politics described in October, Rep. Crane's bill codifies the  Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMDP) division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), whose priorities include proper cleanup of abandoned mines, with oversight from Congress and adequate representation from state, local, and Tribal authorities.

"As we work to support domestic mining of critical minerals, it’s crucial that we remain committed to doing so responsibly," said Rep. Crane in his press release, adding, "The consequences of poor stewardship are detrimental for the health and safety of those living in rural Arizona, particularly on the Navajo Nation."

Improper mine cleanup has resulted in acid mine drainage, erosion, and hazardous substance releases that contaminate surface water, groundwater, and degrade habitats. On top of that, 500 of these mines, some of which were dug for uranium, are present in the Navajo Nation.

Thus, Rep. Crane said he was "proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that would help ensure reasonable and timely cleanup and increased congressional oversight of the process."

Similarly, Rep. Stanton said, "Abandoned hardrock mines put Arizona communities—especially Tribal nations—at a high risk of exposure to substances that are hazardous to their long-term health."

"Our bipartisan legislation works to swiftly and responsibly mitigate this environmental threat, and makes sure Tribal and local authorities have a stronger voice in the process," Rep. Stanton continued.

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) are introducing the Senate companion bill.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, who had previously teamed up with Crane to draft the Energy Opportunities for All Act in January, spoke highly of the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act, saying, "I want to thank Congressmen Eli Crane and Greg Stanton, Senators Mark Kelly and Cynthia Lummis, and all those involved in the introduction of the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act."

"This legislation is a critical step forward in addressing the long-standing health and environmental impacts of abandoned hardrock mines, especially on the Navajo Nation," Nygren continued, adding, "By codifying the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains at the EPA, this bill ensures Tribal nations like ours have a meaningful voice in mine cleanup efforts that directly impact our communities. We have lived with the consequences of these abandoned sites for far too long—this act represents accountability, cooperation, and real progress. Ahéheeʼ [Navajo for "thank you"] to everyone who has helped move this issue forward."