Introduced: July 30, 2025

Latest Action: Passed the Senate on November 19, 2025

Sponsor: Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

Purpose: To create the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains office to accelerate cleanup of abandoned hard-rock mines leaking toxic pollutants into U.S. waterways, soil, and communities. The bill protects public health, restores ecosystems, and reduces long-term contamination risks.

Historical Context

Over 500,000 abandoned hard rock mines exist across the U.S. Decades of underfunded or scattered cleanup efforts left communities exposed to heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Recent climate stress (floods, heavy rain) worsens mine runoff, increasing contamination risk. EPA already recognizes abandoned mines as a serious threat through programs like Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (coordinates cleanup in Western and rural areas), Good Samaritan Remediation Program (allows voluntary cleanup by eligible parties without full liability), and Abandoned Mine Lands Program (oversees investigation and cleanup of mine sites threatening water, soil, and ecosystems)

Specifics of the Bill

• Establishes the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains within the EPA.

• Coordinates nationwide cleanup of abandoned mines and contaminated waterways

• Provides funding and technical support to states, tribes, and local governments.

• Prioritizes remediation in communities with the highest environmental health risks.

• Implements ongoing monitoring to prevent future contamination.

Time Sensitivity

• Abandoned mines continue releasing toxic metals daily.

• Flooding and storms can spread contamination more rapidly.

• Immediate action prevents long-term environmental damage and health hazards.

Why You Should Care Right Now

Many communities, especially in the West and on tribal lands, live near abandoned mines that leak poison into streams and soil. Every day without cleanup exposes families to toxic metals, contaminates drinking water, and harms ecosystems. Acting now ensures safe water, healthier communities, and restored environments.

Specific Benefits of the Bill

• Reduces exposure to lead, arsenic, mercury, etc.

• Cleans rivers, soil and ecosystems, supporting wildlife.

• Prevents hazardous runoff during floods or storms.

• Creates jobs and restores lands for recreation and tourism.

• Prioritizes communities historically burdened by abandoned mines.

• Establishes monitoring and federal coordination to prevent future contamination.

Potential Economic Impact

• Job creation in cleanup, engineering, hydrology, and environmental science.

• Reduced healthcare costs from fewer pollution-related illnesses.

• Long-term savings by preventing future contamination and disaster response costs.

• Local economic growth through restored lands and recreational areas.

Possible Costs:

• Upfront federal spending for cleanup programs, staffing, and monitoring.

• Compliance costs for nearby industries facing stricter oversight.

• Administrative expenses for coordination across federal, state, and local levels.

Who Supports This Bill:

• Environmental Organizations

• Tribal governments

• Western state leaders

• Public health groups

• Water Conservation Advocates

• Communities affected by abandoned mines

Who Opposes This Bill:

• Mining industry groups concerned about increased regulation

• Some Lawmakers from regions that do not have abandoned mines

Public Engagement/ What People Can Do

• Contact your senators and House members to urge support for this bill.

• Join advocacy groups focused on mine cleanup.

• Share information on social media with hashtags like #MineCleanupNow

• Attend town halls or community meetings to highlight local mine risks.

• Participate in educational workshops about abandoned mines.

EPA Programs Supporting this Effort

• Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMDP)

• Good Samaritan Program

• Abandoned Mine Lands Program