News Releases from Headquarters

EPA Extends Comment Period on Hard Rock Mining Proposed Rule

WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency today issued a 120-day extension of the comment period related to proposed financial responsibility requirements for the hard rock mining industry. The Agency has received dozens of requests to extend the comment period.

EPA estimates predict the implementation of these requirements would cost American businesses up to $171 million a year. A court has ordered EPA to act on this new regulation by December 1, 2017, and the Agency fully intends to act consistent with the court’s order.

“As I said to EPA staff on Tuesday, we are here to listen, and by extending this comment period we are demonstrating that we are listening to miners, owners and operators all across America and to all parties interested in this important rule,” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said as he directed the Agency to extend the comment period.

For more information:  https://www.epa.gov/superfund/proposed-rule-financial-responsibility-requirements-under-cercla-section-108b-classes

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