Congressman Raul Grijalva marked the 150th anniversary of the Mining Act of 1872 during a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, but he did not celebrate its passage.
Grijalva called the anniversary a stark reminder of the law’s shortcomings. He said that mining is essential to the U.S. economy and will play an important role in the nation’s efforts to build clean energy infrastructure.
But he said that a 21st century economy shouldn’t be regulated by a 19th century law.
Grijalva has introduced legislation that calls for reforms such as stronger environmental safeguards, royalties and tribal consultation.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to an editing error, this headline has been updated to correct the year the Mining Act was implemented.
