December 5, 2007--Local officials to testify before U.S. Senate on mining reform (Crested Butte News)
The Town of Crested Butte’s efforts to increase awareness of mining law reform have paid off as the U.S. Senate has requested town representatives testify on Capitol Hill on Thursday, December 13.
Town manager Susan Parker and Town attorney John Belkin first traveled to Washington, D.C. in September, and they met with Congressional representatives in hopes of being asked back to testify on behalf of reforming the Mining Law of 1872. The law allows the transfer of public lands for mining claims at the cost of $5 per acre. The committee, traditionally focused on Western issues, has jurisdiction over energy policy, Indian affairs, public lands and their renewable resources, surface mining, and water resources. It is an opportunity for the community to share with the committee members and the nation the issues related to the potential impacts of mining that could adversely affect Gunnison Valley’s water sources, recreational opportunities and way of life.
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