Republicans push through mining deregulation bill

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Larry Margasak

Story Created: Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:48 PM

Story Updated: Thu Jul 12, 2012 2:00 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have pushed a bill through the House that would free gold, copper, silver and uranium mining on federal land from U.S. environmental reviews. The bill would make it harder for opponents to challenge new mining ventures in court.

The legislation passed Thursday by a 256-160 vote. It was the latest House Republican bill that favors industry and opposes strict government regulations. But - like similar bills to deregulate industry - it will likely die in the Democratic-run Senate.

The bill would give the government discretion to eliminate its environmental reviews and accept state reviews of mining projects instead. The review period would be limited to 30 months unless the mining companies and the government agreed to an extension.

There also would be a tight timetable for court challenges.

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