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Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

H.R. 1366 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

H.R. 1366119TH CONGRESSINTRODUCED 02/14/2025REP. AMODEIR-NV · SPONSORLeft: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean left: no (Sponsor Ranking)Center: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean right: DW-NOMINATE +0.38 (Sponsor Ranking)Right: no (Sponsor Ranking)LEAN RIGHT(SPONSOR RANKING)ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

3 members · Left 1 · Center 0 · Right 2 (Bill Ranking)

SponsorRep. Amodei, Mark E. (R-NV) (Introduced 02/14/2025)
Sponsor Voting RecordLean right · DW-NOMINATE +0.38 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking)
Support
LLLCLRR

support across the spectrum: 3 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once

CommitteesHouse - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee
Latest Action03/17/2026 Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 357.
Roll Call Votes2
Sourceview on congress.gov →
IntroducedPassed HousePassed SenateResolving DifferencesTo PresidentBecame Law

Summary (1)

Reported to House (11/25/2025)

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

This bill allows mining operators to use federal lands for activities ancillary to mining, such as waste disposal, regardless of whether those lands contain mineral deposits valuable enough to be mined (mineral validity). It also establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund.

The bill addresses a 2022 decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit related to the Rosemont Copper Mine in Arizona (commonly known as the Rosemont decision, described further in CRS Report R48166). The court held that mining claims are only allowed where mineral validity has been established and that mill site claims are more appropriate means for establishing a mining waste disposal site under the Mining Act.

The bill allows a mining operator to (1) locate and include within its plan of operations as many mill site claims (e.g., areas for waste rock disposal) as are reasonably necessary for its operations, and (2) use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations.

Additionally, the bill requires any revenue generated from fees for such mill site claims to be deposited into the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The Department of the Interior must use the fund for certain abandoned hardrock mine reclamation activities.

Text (4)

Engrossed in House (EH)

119 HR 1366 EH: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS1st Session H. R. 1366

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act.

2.Hardrock mining mill sites (a)Multiple mill sitesSection 2337 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 42) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c)Additional mill sites (1)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)Mill siteThe term mill site means a location of public land that is reasonably necessary for waste rock or tailings disposal or other operations reasonably incident to mineral development on, or production from land included in a plan of operations. (B)Operations; OperatorThe terms operations and operator have the meanings given those terms in section 3809.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection). (C)Plan of operationsThe term plan of operations means a plan of operations that an operator must submit and the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as applicable, must approve before an operator may begin operations, in accordance with, as applicable— (i)subpart 3809 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements); and (ii)part 228 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements). (D)Public landThe term public land means land owned by the United States that is open to location under sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.), including— (i)land that is mineral-in-character (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); (ii)nonmineral land (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); and (iii)land where the mineral character has not been determined. (2)In generalNotwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), where public land is needed by the proprietor of a lode or placer claim for operations in connection with any lode or placer claim within the proposed plan of operations, the proprietor may— (A)locate and include within the plan of operations as many mill site claims under this subsection as are reasonably necessary for its operations; and (B)use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations. (3)Mill sites convey no mineral rightsA mill site under this subsection does not convey mineral rights to the locator. (4)Size of mill sitesA location of a single mill site under this subsection shall not exceed 5 acres. (5)Mill site and lode or placer claims on same tracts of public landA mill site may be located under this subsection on a tract of public land on which the claimant or operator maintains a previously located lode or placer claim. (6)Effect on mining claimsThe location of a mill site under this subsection shall not affect the validity of any lode or placer claim, or any rights associated with such a claim. (7)PatentingA mill site under this section shall not be eligible for patenting. (8)Savings provisionsNothing in this subsection— (A)diminishes any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant; (B)creates or increases any right (including a right of exploration, entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant on land that is not open to location under the general mining laws; (C)modifies any provision of law or any prior administrative action withdrawing land from location or entry; (D)limits the right of the Federal Government to regulate mining and mining-related activities (including requiring claim validity examinations to establish the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit) in areas withdrawn from mining, including under— (i)the general mining laws; (ii)the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); (iii)the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); (iv)sections 100731 through 100737 of title 54, United States Code; (v)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (vi)division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘National Historic Preservation Act’); or (vii)section 4 of the Act of July 23, 1955 (commonly known as the Surface Resources Act of 1955) (69 Stat. 368, chapter 375; 30 U.S.C. 612); (E)restores any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy, or right to conduct operations) of a claimant that— (i)existed prior to the date on which the land was closed to, or withdrawn from, location under the general mining laws; and (ii)that has been extinguished by such closure or withdrawal; or (F)modifies section 404 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118–42).. (b)Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund (1)EstablishmentThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate account, to be known as the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund (referred to in this subsection as the Fund). (2)Source of depositsAny amounts collected by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the claim maintenance fee under section 10101(a)(1) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f(a)(1)) on mill sites located under subsection (c) of section 2337 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 42) shall be deposited into the Fund. (3)UseThe Secretary of the Interior may make expenditures from amounts available in the Fund, without further appropriations, only to carry out section 40704 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245). (4)Allocation of fundsAmounts made available under paragraph (3)— (A)shall be allocated in accordance with section 40704(e)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(1)); and (B)may be transferred in accordance with section 40704(e)(2) of that Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(2)). (c)Clerical amendmentsSection 10101 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f) is amended— (1)by striking the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 28–28e) each place it appears and inserting sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.); (2)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following: (B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and (ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following: (A)In generalThe holder of; and (B)in paragraph (2)— (i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following: (B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and (ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following: (A)In generalThe holder of; and (3)in subsection (b)— (A)in the second sentence, by striking The location fee and inserting the following: (2)FeeThe location fee; and (B)in the first sentence, by striking The claim main tenance fee and inserting the following: (1)In generalThe claim maintenance fee. Passed the House of Representatives December 18, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Introduced in House (IH)

119 HR 1366 IH: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives 2025-02-14 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1366IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 14, 2025Mr. Amodei of Nevada (for himself and Mr. Horsford) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025.

2.Hardrock mining mill sites (a)Multiple mill sitesSection 2337 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 42) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c)Additional mill sites (1)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)Mill siteThe term mill site means a location of public land that is reasonably necessary for waste rock or tailings disposal or other operations reasonably incident to mineral development on, or production from land included in a plan of operations. (B)Operations; OperatorThe terms operations and operator have the meanings given those terms in section 3809.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection). (C)Plan of operationsThe term plan of operations means a plan of operations that an operator must submit and the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as applicable, must approve before an operator may begin operations, in accordance with, as applicable— (i)subpart 3809 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements); and (ii)part 228 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements). (D)Public landThe term public land means land owned by the United States that is open to location under sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.), including— (i)land that is mineral-in-character (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); (ii)nonmineral land (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); and (iii)land where the mineral character has not been determined. (2)In generalNotwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), where public land is needed by the proprietor of a lode or placer claim for operations in connection with any lode or placer claim within the proposed plan of operations, the proprietor may— (A)locate and include within the plan of operations as many mill site claims under this subsection as are reasonably necessary for its operations; and (B)use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations. (3)Mill sites convey no mineral rightsA mill site under this subsection does not convey mineral rights to the locator. (4)Size of mill sitesA location of a single mill site under this subsection shall not exceed 5 acres. (5)Mill site and lode or placer claims on same tracts of public landA mill site may be located under this subsection on a tract of public land on which the claimant or operator maintains a previously located lode or placer claim. (6)Effect on mining claimsThe location of a mill site under this subsection shall not affect the validity of any lode or placer claim, or any rights associated with such a claim. (7)PatentingA mill site under this section shall not be eligible for patenting. (8)Savings provisionsNothing in this subsection— (A)diminishes any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant; (B)creates or increases any right (including a right of exploration, entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant on land that is not open to location under the general mining laws; (C)modifies any provision of law or any prior administrative action withdrawing land from location or entry; (D)limits the right of the Federal Government to regulate mining and mining-related activities (including requiring claim validity examinations to establish the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit) in areas withdrawn from mining, including under— (i)the general mining laws; (ii)the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); (iii)the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); (iv)sections 100731 through 100737 of title 54, United States Code; (v)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (vi)division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘National Historic Preservation Act’); or (vii)section 4 of the Act of July 23, 1955 (commonly known as the Surface Resources Act of 1955) (69 Stat. 368, chapter 375; 30 U.S.C. 612); (E)restores any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy, or right to conduct operations) of a claimant that— (i)existed prior to the date on which the land was closed to, or withdrawn from, location under the general mining laws; and (ii)that has been extinguished by such closure or withdrawal; or (F)modifies section 404 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118–42).. (b)Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund (1)EstablishmentThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate account, to be known as the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund (referred to in this subsection as the Fund). (2)Source of depositsAny amounts collected by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the claim maintenance fee under section 10101(a)(1) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f(a)(1)) on mill sites located under subsection (c) of section 2337 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 42) shall be deposited into the Fund. (3)UseThe Secretary of the Interior may make expenditures from amounts available in the Fund, without further appropriations, only to carry out section 40704 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245). (4)Allocation of fundsAmounts made available under paragraph (3)— (A)shall be allocated in accordance with section 40704(e)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(1)); and (B)may be transferred in accordance with section 40704(e)(2) of that Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(2)). (c)Clerical amendmentsSection 10101 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f) is amended— (1)by striking the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 28–28e) each place it appears and inserting sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.); (2)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following: (B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and (ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following: (A)In generalThe holder of; and (B)in paragraph (2)— (i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following: (B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and (ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following: (A)In generalThe holder of; and (3)in subsection (b)— (A)in the second sentence, by striking The location fee and inserting the following: (2)FeeThe location fee; and (B)in the first sentence, by striking The claim main tenance fee and inserting the following: (1)In generalThe claim maintenance fee.

Placed on Calendar Senate (PCS)

119 HR 1366 PCS: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-17 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. II Calendar No. 357 119th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 1366

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 18, 2025 Received March 17, 2026 Read twice and placed on the calendar AN ACT To provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act.

2.Hardrock mining mill sites (a)Multiple mill sitesSection 2337 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 42) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c)Additional mill sites (1)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)Mill siteThe term mill site means a location of public land that is reasonably necessary for waste rock or tailings disposal or other operations reasonably incident to mineral development on, or production from land included in a plan of operations. (B)Operations; OperatorThe terms operations and operator have the meanings given those terms in section 3809.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection). (C)Plan of operationsThe term plan of operations means a plan of operations that an operator must submit and the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as applicable, must approve before an operator may begin operations, in accordance with, as applicable— (i)subpart 3809 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements); and (ii)part 228 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements). (D)Public landThe term public land means land owned by the United States that is open to location under sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.), including— (i)land that is mineral-in-character (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); (ii)nonmineral land (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); and (iii)land where the mineral character has not been determined. (2)In generalNotwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), where public land is needed by the proprietor of a lode or placer claim for operations in connection with any lode or placer claim within the proposed plan of operations, the proprietor may— (A)locate and include within the plan of operations as many mill site claims under this subsection as are reasonably necessary for its operations; and (B)use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations. (3)Mill sites convey no mineral rightsA mill site under this subsection does not convey mineral rights to the locator. (4)Size of mill sitesA location of a single mill site under this subsection shall not exceed 5 acres. (5)Mill site and lode or placer claims on same tracts of public landA mill site may be located under this subsection on a tract of public land on which the claimant or operator maintains a previously located lode or placer claim. (6)Effect on mining claimsThe location of a mill site under this subsection shall not affect the validity of any lode or placer claim, or any rights associated with such a claim. (7)PatentingA mill site under this section shall not be eligible for patenting. (8)Savings provisionsNothing in this subsection— (A)diminishes any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant; (B)creates or increases any right (including a right of exploration, entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant on land that is not open to location under the general mining laws; (C)modifies any provision of law or any prior administrative action withdrawing land from location or entry; (D)limits the right of the Federal Government to regulate mining and mining-related activities (including requiring claim validity examinations to establish the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit) in areas withdrawn from mining, including under— (i)the general mining laws; (ii)the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); (iii)the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); (iv)sections 100731 through 100737 of title 54, United States Code; (v)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (vi)division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘National Historic Preservation Act’); or (vii)section 4 of the Act of July 23, 1955 (commonly known as the Surface Resources Act of 1955) (69 Stat. 368, chapter 375; 30 U.S.C. 612); (E)restores any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy, or right to conduct operations) of a claimant that— (i)existed prior to the date on which the land was closed to, or withdrawn from, location under the general mining laws; and (ii)that has been extinguished by such closure or withdrawal; or (F)modifies section 404 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118–42).. (b)Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund (1)EstablishmentThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate account, to be known as the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund (referred to in this subsection as the Fund). (2)Source of depositsAny amounts collected by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the claim maintenance fee under section 10101(a)(1) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f(a)(1)) on mill sites located under subsection (c) of section 2337 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 42) shall be deposited into the Fund. (3)UseThe Secretary of the Interior may make expenditures from amounts available in the Fund, without further appropriations, only to carry out section 40704 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245). (4)Allocation of fundsAmounts made available under paragraph (3)— (A)shall be allocated in accordance with section 40704(e)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(1)); and (B)may be transferred in accordance with section 40704(e)(2) of that Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(2)). (c)Clerical amendmentsSection 10101 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f) is amended— (1)by striking the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 28–28e) each place it appears and inserting sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.); (2)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following: (B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and (ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following: (A)In generalThe holder of; and (B)in paragraph (2)— (i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following: (B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and (ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following: (A)In generalThe holder of; and (3)in subsection (b)— (A)in the second sentence, by striking The location fee and inserting the following: (2)FeeThe location fee; and (B)in the first sentence, by striking The claim main tenance fee and inserting the following: (1)In generalThe claim maintenance fee. Passed the House of Representatives December 18, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk. March 17, 2026 Read twice and placed on the calendar

Reported in House (RH)

118 HR 1366 RH: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-11-25 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 336119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1366[Report No. 119–386]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 14, 2025Mr. Amodei of Nevada (for himself and Mr. Horsford) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesNovember 25, 2025Additional sponsor: Mr. BegichNovember 25, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on February 14, 2025A BILLTo provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act.2.Hardrock mining mill sites(a)Multiple mill sitesSection 2337 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 42) is amended by adding at the end the following:(c)Additional mill sites(1)DefinitionsIn this subsection:(A)Mill siteThe term mill site means a location of public land that is reasonably necessary for waste rock or tailings disposal or other operations reasonably incident to mineral development on, or production from land included in a plan of operations.(B)Operations; OperatorThe terms operations and operator have the meanings given those terms in section 3809.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection).(C)Plan of operationsThe term plan of operations means a plan of operations that an operator must submit and the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as applicable, must approve before an operator may begin operations, in accordance with, as applicable—(i)subpart 3809 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements); and(ii)part 228 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations establishing application and approval requirements).(D)Public landThe term public land means land owned by the United States that is open to location under sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.), including—(i)land that is mineral-in-character (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection));(ii)nonmineral land (as defined in section 3830.5 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); and(iii)land where the mineral character has not been determined.(2)In generalNotwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), where public land is needed by the proprietor of a lode or placer claim for operations in connection with any lode or placer claim within the proposed plan of operations, the proprietor may—(A)locate and include within the plan of operations as many mill site claims under this subsection as are reasonably necessary for its operations; and(B)use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations.(3)Mill sites convey no mineral rightsA mill site under this subsection does not convey mineral rights to the locator.(4)Size of mill sitesA location of a single mill site under this subsection shall not exceed 5 acres.(5)Mill site and lode or placer claims on same tracts of public landA mill site may be located under this subsection on a tract of public land on which the claimant or operator maintains a previously located lode or placer claim.(6)Effect on mining claimsThe location of a mill site under this subsection shall not affect the validity of any lode or placer claim, or any rights associated with such a claim.(7)PatentingA mill site under this section shall not be eligible for patenting.(8)Savings provisionsNothing in this subsection—(A)diminishes any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant;(B)creates or increases any right (including a right of exploration, entry, use, or occupancy) of a claimant on land that is not open to location under the general mining laws;(C)modifies any provision of law or any prior administrative action withdrawing land from location or entry;(D)limits the right of the Federal Government to regulate mining and mining-related activities (including requiring claim validity examinations to establish the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit) in areas withdrawn from mining, including under—(i)the general mining laws;(ii)the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);(iii)the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.);(iv)sections 100731 through 100737 of title 54, United States Code;(v)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);(vi)division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ‘National Historic Preservation Act’); or(vii)section 4 of the Act of July 23, 1955 (commonly known as the Surface Resources Act of 1955) (69 Stat. 368, chapter 375; 30 U.S.C. 612);(E)restores any right (including a right of entry, use, or occupancy, or right to conduct operations) of a claimant that—(i)existed prior to the date on which the land was closed to, or withdrawn from, location under the general mining laws; and(ii)that has been extinguished by such closure or withdrawal; or(F)modifies section 404 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118–42)..(b)Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund(1)EstablishmentThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate account, to be known as the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund (referred to in this subsection as the Fund).(2)Source of depositsAny amounts collected by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the claim maintenance fee under section 10101(a)(1) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f(a)(1)) on mill sites located under subsection (c) of section 2337 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 42) shall be deposited into the Fund.(3)UseThe Secretary of the Interior may make expenditures from amounts available in the Fund, without further appropriations, only to carry out section 40704 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245).(4)Allocation of fundsAmounts made available under paragraph (3)—(A)shall be allocated in accordance with section 40704(e)(1) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(1)); and(B)may be transferred in accordance with section 40704(e)(2) of that Act (30 U.S.C. 1245(e)(2)).(c)Clerical amendmentsSection 10101 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (30 U.S.C. 28f) is amended—(1)by striking the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 28–28e) each place it appears and inserting sections 2319 through 2344 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.);(2)in subsection (a)—(A)in paragraph (1)—(i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following:(B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and(ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following:(A)In generalThe holder of; and(B)in paragraph (2)—(i)in the second sentence, by striking Such claim maintenance fee and inserting the following:(B)FeeThe claim maintenance fee under subparagraph (A); and(ii)in the first sentence, by striking The holder of and inserting the following:(A)In generalThe holder of; and(3)in subsection (b)—(A)in the second sentence, by striking The location fee and inserting the following:(2)FeeThe location fee; and(B)in the first sentence, by striking The claim main tenance fee and inserting the following:(1)In generalThe claim maintenance fee.November 25, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.

All Actions (26)

DateChamberAll Actions
02/14/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
02/14/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
02/14/2025House floor actionsReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
08/29/2025House committee actionsReferred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
09/03/2025House committee actionsSubcommittee Hearings Held
09/17/2025House committee actionsSubcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
09/17/2025House committee actionsCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
09/17/2025House committee actionsOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 17.
11/25/2025Library of CongressReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-386.
11/25/2025House floor actionsReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-386.
11/25/2025House floor actionsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 336.
12/16/2025House floor actionsRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 951 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
12/18/2025House floor actionsConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 951. (consideration: CR H6044-6049)
12/18/2025House floor actionsRule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
12/18/2025House floor actionsDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1366.
12/18/2025House floor actionsThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
12/18/2025House floor actionsMs. Leger Fernandez moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H6049)
12/18/2025House floor actionsThe previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
12/18/2025House floor actionsPOSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 1366, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Leger Fernandez demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
12/18/2025House floor actionsConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6069-6070)
12/18/2025House floor actionsOn motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 205 - 213 (Roll no. 357).
12/18/2025Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 198 (Roll no. 358).
12/18/2025House floor actionsOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 198 (Roll no. 358). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H6044)
12/18/2025House floor actionsMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12/18/2025SenateReceived in the Senate.
03/17/2026SenateRead twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 357.

Titles (7)

Title TypeTitle
Short Title(s) from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill textMining Regulatory Clarity Act
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseMining Regulatory Clarity Act
Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill textTo provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.
Display TitleMining Regulatory Clarity Act
Short Title(s) as Reported to HouseMining Regulatory Clarity Act
Short Title(s) as IntroducedMining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025
Official Title as IntroducedTo provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.

Amendments (1)

AmendmentSponsorPurposeLatest Action
HAMDT 14112/18/2025 On agreeing to the Rules amendment (A001) Agreed to without objection.

Cosponsors (2)

* = Original cosponsor

Committees (6)

CommitteeActivity
House - Natural Resources Committee12/18/2025 Unknown
House - Natural Resources Committee12/18/2025 Unknown
House - Natural Resources Committee11/25/2025 Reported By
House - Natural Resources Committee09/17/2025 Markup By
House - Natural Resources Committee09/17/2025 Discharged from
House - Natural Resources Committee02/14/2025 Referred To

Related Bills (3)

Subjects (3)

Policy Area: Environmental Protection

All data on this page comes from our own database (legislation.congress_* tables), synced daily from the GPO govinfo BILLSTATUS and BILLS collections. Formatted after congress.gov; nothing is generated. Member placement is their DW-NOMINATE score (voteview.com, Lewis et al.) - a measurement of roll-call voting behavior, not our judgement. Buckets: Left below −0.50 · Lean Left to −0.25 · Center to +0.25 · Lean Right to +0.50 · Right above +0.50. The bill's Support meter aggregates the people who signed the bill - sponsor and current cosponsors, each counted once - nothing else.