CONSERVATION UPDATE WEAK MINING BILL PASSES SENATE - HOUSE ACTION NEXT

The Senate passed a weak mining reform bill May 25, but conservationists are now pressing the House to adopt stronger legislation. The House could consider a mining bill in July, and then the two measures would be reconciled in a conference committee. BACKGROUND Current law governing the mining of gold, silver and other hard-rock minerals on public lands gives miners nearly full access to those lands without requiring them to pay royalties on minerals or restore nine sites. For as little as $2.50 an acre, miners can "patent" a mining claim, making it their private property. The Senate bill (S. 775), introduced by Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and backed by the mining industry, would charge only a 2 percent royalty and would allow a modified patenting system. Conservationists support a House bill offered by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W .Va. )that would institute an 8 percent royalty and abolish the patenting system altogether. The bill (H.R. 322)also includes strong provisions for restoration and for cleanup of already abandoned sites. STATUS The House Natural Resources Committee will likely consider Rahall's bill by middle or, late July. If passed in its current form, the bill would help conservationists press for meaningful reform in conference committee. ACTION If you are in favor of a stronger mining law, write to your representative and ask him or her to support H.R.322 and to oppose all weakening amendments.

ENDANGERED SPECIES

More imperiled species will be federally protected thanks to an overhaul of the Endangered Species Act. Almost 90% of the species expected to receive protection are native to Hawaii, California and the desert southwest. * * * "We would take -them out and teach them to sleep in the wilderness. When they had free time, instead of going downtown and getting drunk, they'd go out backpacking and fishing." Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Now-retired Operation Desert Storm Leader

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