Fact sheet on advocacy to protect Sierra Nevada lands and waters from irresponsible mining including the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) reform and SB637 on Suction Dredge Mining.
Mining Reform
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Bill to reform Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SB 209) introduced
Senator Pavley has introduced SB 209, a bill to reform the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA). The Sierra Fund has worked with Senator Pavley to help identify opportunities to improve consistent enforcement of…
Victory on suction dredge mining reform: Governor Brown signs SB 637
California Gov. Jerry Brown today signed into law Senate Bill 637 to protect California’s water supplies, wildlife and cultural resources from the damaging effects of destructive suction dredge gold mining. The new law requires that all small-scale miners using motorized suction pumps obtain a Clean Water Act Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board before mining in California waterways.
Suction Dredge Mining Reform Update
SACRAMENTO, 19 April 2013 - There has been considerable action over the last few weeks around suction dredge mining reform, as CA Department of Fish and Wildlife worked to fill its requirement to work…
The Sierra Fund sponsors new CA Mining Law Reform Bill
California Senator Fran Pavley has introduced the Surface Mining Act Reform of 2014 (SB 1270) with a goal of reforming the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) to better serve industry, local governments, state government, and the public. The Sierra Fund, a regional nonprofit based in Nevada City, is sponsoring this bill.