Today’s mining act governing the mining industry dates back to May 10, 1872, more than 150 years ago.
It may be the oldest federal act still guiding industry in the 21st century.
There have been many attempts undertaken to update it, yet the mining industry is using its influence with some of our elected officials to prevent any changes.
The reason is simple; an updated law would hold them responsible and affect their profitability.
Yet, cleaning up mines, preventing mine drainage to enter our waterways, paying a reasonable royalty for the many mines on public land and more all would benefit the common good, which should be an elected official’s primary responsibility.
I resent when our elected officials, Rep. Scott Tipton and Sen. Cory Gardner, relentlessly point fingers at the Environmental Protection Agency when ongoing damage continues due to their and their predecessors’ refusal to update the sorely outdated 1872 mining act.
While the EPA assumed primary responsibility in the Gold King Mine spill, performing a necessary role in attempting to protect the public from harm, they are hamstrung by outdated laws.
So please, Tipton and Gardner, stop pointing fingers until you and your colleagues have updated the 1872 mining act.
Werner Heiber
Durango
