The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act: A Potential Path to a Cleaner Yuba River 

Background 

The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act is a legislative effort aimed at addressing the environmental and public safety hazards posed by abandoned hardrock mines across the United States. Introduced by a bipartisan coalition, this legislation seeks to empower “Good Samaritans”—state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and other groups—to clean up pollution from these abandoned sites without facing long-term legal and financial liability. 

Abandoned Mines on the Yuba 

The Yuba River watershed is home to numerous abandoned hardrock mines, remnants of the Gold Rush era. These mines, numbering around 128 in the North Yuba watershed alone, pose significant environmental challenges. Toxic waste, unsecured tunnels, and contaminated water are just a few of the issues that threaten the health of the river and the surrounding ecosystem. 

What Would the Act Do? 

The Good Samaritan Act creates a pilot permitting program that allows qualified organizations  to undertake cleanup projects at abandoned mine sites. These “Good Samaritans” can work to improve water and soil quality, protect human health, and restore natural habitats without the fear of incurring additional legal liabilities. This legislation is a crucial step towards mitigating the environmental impact of abandoned mines and ensuring a healthier future for the Yuba River and other affected areas. 

The U.S. Senate approved the legislation on July 31st, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously approved it on September 28th.  

Now it needs approval by the U.S. House of Representatives.

What Can You Do? 

As a supporter of the Yuba River, you can support this act by contacting your local U.S. House Representative and urging them to support the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act (HR 7779). 

You can use the forms located on the Trout Unlimited website (use the button below) to ask your representatives in Congress to act now. On their website, scroll down to where it says “Compose Third Message” to contact officials who did not sponsor/co-sponsor H.R. 7779 (U.S.-2023-2024 Regular Session (118th)) which includes Reps. Kiley, LaMalfa, and McClintock

Share this information about the Good Samaritan Act and the importance of addressing abandoned mine pollution with your friends.  

Together, we can make a difference and help restore the beauty and health of the Yuba River for future generations!