Mining reform proposals will push American mining jobs overseas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) blasted new mining reform proposals that would ship Wyoming jobs overseas during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing.

“Mining is a critical part of Wyoming’s economy. It provides good paying jobs for hardworking people throughout the State. These mining reform proposals will cripple the bentonite and uranium mining industries in Wyoming. They will push American mining jobs overseas, increase our dependence on foreign imports, and restrict access to federal lands,” Barrasso said.

Barrasso made his comments following a committee review of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act.

“Unemployment in the U.S. reached 9.5 percent in July,” Barrasso said. “The last thing Congress should do is undercut American jobs with unnecessary regulations and costs. To create jobs, the mining industry needs certainty.”

“The mining reform proposals ignore Wyoming resources and would make the U.S. more dependent on foreign mineral imports from countries like China.”

“Royalty rates and fees associated with mining must be reasonable and clearly defined in order to ensure a competitive American industry. Mining reform legislation must also provide certainty for access and use of land. Neither of the bills accomplish this goal.”

Barrasso expressed concerns about provisions that could dramatically restrict access to federal lands for mineral development and would hamper hunting and grazing.  

Barrasso also called for a dose of common-sense in the mining law reform debate. “The Mining Law of 1872 is 137 years old.  It needs to be updated.  It must provide certainty for American jobs, long-term domestic mineral investment, reclamation, rural communities and environmental protection.”

 “As this debate continues, I will fight to ensure good paying jobs in Wyoming, to reduce our reliance on foreign minerals and to protect a healthy environment.”