New EPA office would coordinate cleanup of abandoned hardrock mines
Passed one chamberS. 2741Latest action
Sponsor: Mark Kelly · Senator · AZ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill creates an EPA office to coordinate cleanup of old hardrock mine sites, with priority on Navajo uranium mines.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would establish an Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains within the EPA to coordinate cleanup of abandoned hardrock mine sites on various types of land. It would not grant new legal powers but would improve use of existing laws, create a priority list of contaminated sites, and require a 10-year cleanup plan for abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation land.
Who does it affect?
Communities near old mining sites, especially in the western U.S. and tribal lands, along with tribal governments, mining companies, environmental contractors, and small businesses.
Why does it matter?
Better coordination could change the pace and structure of cleanup work, affecting how contamination near mining communities and tribal lands is addressed over time.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Engrossed in Senate” text of Nov 19, 2025.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 9, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · Nov 20, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.