Brown Signs California Surface Mining Bills Strengthening Oversight of State's Mines

摘要

Two California bills signed into law aim to strengthen oversight of the state's more than 1,000 active surface mining operations and ensure the eventual closure of sites mined for aggregate used in building materials, metals and minerals. The bills, S.B. 209 and A.B. 1142, which Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed into law late April 18, update the state's Surface Mining and Reclamation Act to ensure mines are operated in compliance with locally-issued permits to guard against air and water pollution and reclamations plans are properly implemented. Combined, the bills make "significant " changes to the law, Elizabeth Martin, chief executive officer of the Sierra Fund, said in an April 19 written statement. The Sierra Fund is a group that works to address mining impacts on the Sierra Nevada's watersheds.