Advanced Energy United endorses The Mining Schools Act and The Good Samaritan Remediation Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Advanced Energy United (United), as part of its work to advance permitting reform and bolster domestic supply chains for advanced energy manufacturing, endorsed two pieces of bipartisan legislation, The Mining Schools Act and Good Samaritan Act, currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate.

“United is proud to support America’s transition to a 100% clean, fully electrified energy future, utilizing advanced energy technologies made right here in the U.S. when possible,” said Harrison Godfrey, Managing Director at Advanced Energy United and head of the organization’s Federal Investment & Manufacturing Working Group.

“To support U.S. advanced energy manufacturing, we need to expand domestic critical mineral production and recycling,” added Godfrey. “That starts with addressing the social and environmental impacts of mining from decades past. The Good Samaritan Act is an important step on that path, enabling state governments, conservation organizations, and everyday citizens to clean up abandoned mine sites without shouldering unwarranted liability. Meanwhile, the Mining Schools Act will help train the next generation of miners and associated professionals so that the U.S. can produce more of the critical minerals needed for advanced energy technologies in an economic and responsible manner. 

“We urge the Senate to pass both constructive, bipartisan bills, and hope they pave the way to additional bipartisan policies to expand critical mineral production and recycling.” 

Additional Information regarding the legislation:

The Mining Schools Act of 2023 (S. 912) introduced by Senators Barasso (R-WY) and Manchin (D-WV) requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a grant program to support domestic mining education. Under the program, DOE must award up to 10 grants each year for recruiting and training mining engineers and other qualified professionals to meet future energy and mineral needs.

The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2023 (S. 2781) introduced by Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Risch (R-ID) promotes the clean-up of abandoned hardrock mines by “Good Samaritans” - i.e. parties that are not the current or past owner of the mine, had no role in the creation of the mine residue, and are not potentially liable for the site’s remediation. Under the law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would establish a pilot program to issue permits to Good Samaritans, which allow them to remediate the site without being liable for past, present, or future contamination.