Legis Daily

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024

USA118th CongressS-2781| Senate 
| Updated: 12/17/2024
Martin Heinrich

Martin Heinrich

Democratic Senator

New Mexico

Cosponsors (40)
Joni Ernst (Republican)Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)Mike Braun (Republican)Markwayne Mullin (Republican)Dan Sullivan (Republican)Catherine Cortez Masto (Democratic)Thomas Tillis (Republican)Mike Lee (Republican)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)James E. Risch (Republican)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Tom Cotton (Republican)Laphonza R. Butler (Democratic)Mitt Romney (Republican)John W. Hickenlooper (Democratic)John Boozman (Republican)Kyrsten Sinema (Independent)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Jacky Rosen (Democratic)Joe Manchin (Independent)John Thune (Republican)Mike Rounds (Republican)Kevin Cramer (Republican)Jon Tester (Democratic)Debbie Stabenow (Democratic)John Barrasso (Republican)Michael F. Bennet (Democratic)Tina Smith (Democratic)Brian Schatz (Democratic)Peter Welch (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Steve Daines (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)John Hoeven (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)Ted Budd (Republican)Mike Crapo (Republican)Lisa Murkowski (Republican)Shelley Moore Capito (Republican)

Environment and Public Works Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue certain permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites to protect human health and the environment without being subject to enforcement or liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site. EPA may only grant permits for projects that meet certain requirements. The bill terminates the program after seven years. The bill also outlines requirements for reviewing Good Samaritan permits under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
5 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3571
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2022
Sep 13, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Sep 13, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Jan 25, 2024
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Carper with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Jan 25, 2024
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 312.
Jul 31, 2024
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)
Jul 31, 2024
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)
Jul 31, 2024
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5665; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5665-5670)
Jul 31, 2024
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 2, 2024
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug 6, 2024
Received in the House.
Aug 6, 2024
Held at the desk.
Dec 10, 2024
Ms. Maloy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Dec 10, 2024
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6570-6578)
Dec 10, 2024
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2781.
Dec 10, 2024
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)
Dec 10, 2024
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)
Dec 10, 2024
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 11, 2024

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 118-7779
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 703.
Dec 12, 2024
Presented to President.
Dec 17, 2024
Signed by President.
Dec 17, 2024
Became Public Law No: 118-155.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3571
    Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2022


  • September 13, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • September 13, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


  • January 25, 2024
    Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Carper with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.


  • January 25, 2024
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 312.


  • July 31, 2024
    Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)


  • July 31, 2024
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)


  • July 31, 2024
    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5665; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5665-5670)


  • July 31, 2024
    The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 2, 2024
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • August 6, 2024
    Received in the House.


  • August 6, 2024
    Held at the desk.


  • December 10, 2024
    Ms. Maloy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.


  • December 10, 2024
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6570-6578)


  • December 10, 2024
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2781.


  • December 10, 2024
    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)


  • December 10, 2024
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)


  • December 10, 2024
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • December 11, 2024

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 118-7779
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 703.


  • December 12, 2024
    Presented to President.


  • December 17, 2024
    Signed by President.


  • December 17, 2024
    Became Public Law No: 118-155.

Environmental Protection

Related Bills

  • HR 118-7779: Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
Congressional oversightEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchGovernment information and archivesGovernment trust fundsHazardous wastes and toxic substancesIntergovernmental relationsLand use and conservationLicensing and registrationsMiningPollution liabilitySocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsSoil pollutionState and local government operationsWater quality

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024

USA118th CongressS-2781| Senate 
| Updated: 12/17/2024
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue certain permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites to protect human health and the environment without being subject to enforcement or liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site. EPA may only grant permits for projects that meet certain requirements. The bill terminates the program after seven years. The bill also outlines requirements for reviewing Good Samaritan permits under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
5 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3571
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2022
Sep 13, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Sep 13, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Jan 25, 2024
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Carper with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Jan 25, 2024
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 312.
Jul 31, 2024
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)
Jul 31, 2024
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)
Jul 31, 2024
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5665; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5665-5670)
Jul 31, 2024
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 2, 2024
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug 6, 2024
Received in the House.
Aug 6, 2024
Held at the desk.
Dec 10, 2024
Ms. Maloy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Dec 10, 2024
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6570-6578)
Dec 10, 2024
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2781.
Dec 10, 2024
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)
Dec 10, 2024
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)
Dec 10, 2024
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 11, 2024

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 118-7779
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 703.
Dec 12, 2024
Presented to President.
Dec 17, 2024
Signed by President.
Dec 17, 2024
Became Public Law No: 118-155.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3571
    Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2022


  • September 13, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • September 13, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


  • January 25, 2024
    Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Carper with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.


  • January 25, 2024
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 312.


  • July 31, 2024
    Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)


  • July 31, 2024
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)


  • July 31, 2024
    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5665; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5665-5670)


  • July 31, 2024
    The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 2, 2024
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • August 6, 2024
    Received in the House.


  • August 6, 2024
    Held at the desk.


  • December 10, 2024
    Ms. Maloy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.


  • December 10, 2024
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6570-6578)


  • December 10, 2024
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2781.


  • December 10, 2024
    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)


  • December 10, 2024
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)


  • December 10, 2024
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • December 11, 2024

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 118-7779
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 703.


  • December 12, 2024
    Presented to President.


  • December 17, 2024
    Signed by President.


  • December 17, 2024
    Became Public Law No: 118-155.
Martin Heinrich

Martin Heinrich

Democratic Senator

New Mexico

Cosponsors (40)
Joni Ernst (Republican)Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)Mike Braun (Republican)Markwayne Mullin (Republican)Dan Sullivan (Republican)Catherine Cortez Masto (Democratic)Thomas Tillis (Republican)Mike Lee (Republican)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)James E. Risch (Republican)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Tom Cotton (Republican)Laphonza R. Butler (Democratic)Mitt Romney (Republican)John W. Hickenlooper (Democratic)John Boozman (Republican)Kyrsten Sinema (Independent)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Jacky Rosen (Democratic)Joe Manchin (Independent)John Thune (Republican)Mike Rounds (Republican)Kevin Cramer (Republican)Jon Tester (Democratic)Debbie Stabenow (Democratic)John Barrasso (Republican)Michael F. Bennet (Democratic)Tina Smith (Democratic)Brian Schatz (Democratic)Peter Welch (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Steve Daines (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)John Hoeven (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)Ted Budd (Republican)Mike Crapo (Republican)Lisa Murkowski (Republican)Shelley Moore Capito (Republican)

Environment and Public Works Committee

Environmental Protection

Related Bills

  • HR 118-7779: Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Congressional oversightEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchGovernment information and archivesGovernment trust fundsHazardous wastes and toxic substancesIntergovernmental relationsLand use and conservationLicensing and registrationsMiningPollution liabilitySocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsSoil pollutionState and local government operationsWater quality