Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025

# Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does** The Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025 would establish a federal program to clean up abandoned and inactive mines across the United States. The bill focuses on addressing environmental hazards left behind by older mining operations, particularly those on or near tribal lands. It would provide funding and authority for the EPA and other federal agencies to identify, assess, and remediate contaminated sites where mining companies are no longer responsible for cleanup. **Who It Affects** This legislation primarily affects communities living near abandoned mines, Native American tribes whose lands have been impacted by legacy mining, and mining companies.

Taxpayers would fund the cleanup efforts through federal appropriations. The bill also involves multiple government agencies, including the EPA, the Department of Interior, and tribal governments. **Key Provisions** The bill authorizes federal funding for mine remediation work, establishes congressional oversight mechanisms, and emphasizes protecting tribal lands and water resources. It likely includes provisions for innovative cleanup technologies and coordination between federal and tribal authorities to determine priorities for cleanup projects. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate as of the latest update but has not yet been voted on by the House of Representatives, meaning it remains in the early-to-middle stages of the legislative process.