We have a real shot at finally passing Good Samaritan legislation in this Congress. Your voice and support are needed. Please consider signing onto the below letter with your colleagues, your response is needed by close of business on Wednesday August 11th.
Write Congress to pass Good Samaritan legislation
The outdoor recreation industry – fishing and hunting in particular – rely on cold, clean water and healthy, productive public lands. And in the west, there may be no bigger current and broadly-reaching environmental issue than acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned hardrock mines. The EPA estimates that 40% of headwater steams in the west are impaired by AMD impacting over 110,000 miles of rivers in the U.S. This massive problem is far beyond what EPA can address with their limited funding and manpower. State agencies, county governments, conservation organizations and watershed groups want to tackle smaller cleanup efforts. However, under federal law, those who have no legal responsibility or connection to an abandoned mine – Good Samaritans – are deterred from cleaning up these messes due to the immense liability risks and onerous water quality standards. Learn more here.