There are over 23,000 abandoned Colorado mines and mining sites that are the legacy of our state's first economic boom. Across the country, there are an estimated 500,000 abandoned mines. By some calculations, 16,000 miles of Western waterways are tainted by mine waste. With no owners to hold responsible, and with the estimated cleanup bill of $32  billion, Westerners long have wrestled with how to even start cleaning up. Colorado Rep Mark Udall introduced legislation in 2005 that would protect "Good Samaritan" cleanups--largely by volunteers. It didn't pass, but he continues to study the issue and work with Western governors.

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