U.S. Rep. Eli Crane Representative for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District | Ballotpedia
U.S. Rep. Eli Crane Representative for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District | Ballotpedia
Rep. Eli Crane has introduced the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act, aiming to formalize the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMDP) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill seeks to enhance coordination between the EPA and State/Tribal authorities on hardrock mine cleanup efforts while ensuring Congressional oversight.
Senators Mark Kelly and Cynthia Lummis have presented a companion bill in the Senate. This legislative move addresses the issue of abandoned mines, which until the 1970s were often left with toxic waste and unsecured tunnels by operators. According to the Government Accountability Office, there are approximately 140,000 such mines in the United States, primarily in western states. These sites pose significant health and safety risks due to potential contamination of surface and groundwater.
The OMDP was established in 2020 under the Trump administration but has yet to receive Congressional authorization. Despite this, it has been active in planning cleanup activities and community outreach, establishing local offices and assisting EPA regional office efforts. The proposed legislation aims to build on these achievements by increasing Congressional oversight.
"As we work to support domestic mining of critical minerals, it’s crucial that we remain committed to doing so responsibly," stated Rep. Eli Crane. "The consequences of poor stewardship are detrimental for the health and safety of those living in rural Arizona—particularly those on the Navajo Nation."
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