Statement of Nick Bennett, Staff Scientist, Natural Resources Council of Maine
“NRCM is grateful for today’s unanimous vote in the Maine Senate for a mining bill that will protect Maine’s clean water and taxpayers from the risks of irresponsible mining.
“This strong bipartisan bill is the culmination of five years of effort by lawmakers and interested parties. It will help ensure that Maine never experiences the type of mining disaster we have seen around the world, even at modern mines.”
“LD 820 bans the most dangerous mining practices, including large open pit mines and the storage of mine waste in large impoundments of water. It also requires mining companies to pay enough money up front to cover the cleanup of a worst-case mining disaster, ensuring that mining companies pay to clean up their messes, not Maine taxpayers.
“We hope that the House also will endorse this thoughtful, bipartisan legislation.”
