Bill > HCM2007

This bill is a memorial urging Arizona's State Mine Inspector and Department of Environmental Quality to participate in the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024, a federal law that enables state agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations to clean up abandoned hardrock mining sites without legal liability. The memorial highlights that Arizona has an estimated 100,000 abandoned mines posing significant environmental and public health risks, including unsecured tunnels and toxic waste contaminating water and soil. Under the Act's pilot program, qualified parties can obtain permits to remediate mine sites, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria such as having the financial resources, technical expertise, and a low-risk remediation plan. The bill emphasizes Arizona's mining history and its potential to contribute to these cleanup efforts, given the state's experience in the mining industry and existing collaboration between state agencies. The memorial specifically requests that Arizona's State Mine Inspector and Department of Environmental Quality work with federal agencies and private sector partners to identify and apply for the pilot program, and directs the Secretary of State to distribute copies of the memorial to relevant state and federal officials.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82606