Lummis’ Legislation to Resurrect Trump-Era Western-Focused Office Passes Senate

April 16, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) issued the following statement after her bill, the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act, passed the Senate. This bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Lummis and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) codifies the Trump administration's Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is critical to Wyoming communities as it ensures decisions impacting hardrock mine cleanup out west will be made in conjunction with those who live and work near these mines.

"Rather than embracing this administration's ill-fitted, one-size-fits-all approach to governing, we must embrace tailored solutions that best suit the west and its specific needs," said Lummis. "Resurrecting this office ensures states, tribes and localities familiar with our unique ecosystem have a seat at the table, and I am thrilled the Senate passed this important legislation."

Lummis introduced this bill to ensure the federal government has an office specifically dedicated to the west focused on driving partnerships with localities. The Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains was established in 2020 and has oversight over hardrock mines west of the Mississippi River.

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