Arizona House Approves Crucial Bills Tackling Chinese-Owned Abandoned Mines

By Daniel Stefanski |

The Arizona House of Representatives is taking significant steps to address environmental concerns linked to abandoned mines. Recently, the chamber approved three bills aimed at ensuring accountability and environmental responsibility when managing hazardous sites. These proposals—HB 2127, HB 2128, and HCM 2007—were prompted by alarming conditions in Yavapai County, specifically regarding the Senator Mine, which a Chinese-owned company abandoned after posing serious public safety threats.

Sponsored by State Representative Selina Bliss, these legislative measures are designed to protect Arizona communities from environmental hazards. “We cannot allow foreign entities to exploit our natural resources and leave Arizonans burdened with the aftermath,” Bliss stated. “These bills are a safeguard against such exploitation while promoting responsible local involvement in remediation efforts.”

Bliss emphasized the importance of encouraging responsible parties to assist in environmental clean-up efforts without fear of liability. “Many groups want to help clean up Arizona but hesitate due to potential legal repercussions from past actions by others,” she noted. “This legislation clears the path for voluntary remediation, benefiting both the environment and the local economy.”

HB 2127 introduces notification requirements for regulated entities looking to sell contaminated properties, ensuring that potential buyers and relevant state authorities, including the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the State Mine Inspector, are informed of the property’s status.

HB 2128 expands the existing Prospective Purchaser Agreement program, permitting responsible third parties, such as environmental organizations and trustworthy mining companies, to remediate contaminated sites without assuming liability for prior damages.

HCM 2007 is a legislative memorial that encourages state officials to utilize the newly established Good Samaritan Act, a federal law that facilitates cleanup efforts by nonprofits and private entities without regulatory hurdles. Together with HB 2128, this act aims to streamline the remediation process for abandoned mines.

These proposals are now set to be evaluated by the State Senate, marking a critical step in enhancing environmental protection in Arizona.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.