3.0.0
2781
2025-11-18T11:18:14Z
2025-11-18T11:18:14Z
Senate
S
S
2023-09-13
118
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2781
- ssev00
Environment and Public Works Committee
Senate
Standing
  - Reported By
2024-01-25T19:08:24Z
  - Markup By
2024-01-18T15:30:02Z
  - Referred To
2023-09-13T17:00:36Z
- 2024-12-17
Became Public Law No: 118-155.
President
E40000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-12-17
Became Public Law No: 118-155.
BecameLaw
36000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-12-17
Signed by President.
President
E30000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-12-17
Signed by President.
BecameLaw
36000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-12-12
Presented to President.
Floor
E20000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-12-12
Presented to President.
President
28000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-12-10
15:59:54
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Floor
H38310
2
House floor actions
- 2024-12-10
15:59:53
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)
Floor
H37300
2
House floor actions
- 2024-12-10
15:59:53
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6570-6576)
Floor
8000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-12-10
15:39:15
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2781.
Floor
H8D000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-12-10
15:39:13
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6570-6578)
Floor
H30000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-12-10
15:39:11
Ms. Maloy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Floor
H30300
2
House floor actions
- 2024-08-06
11:12:24
Held at the desk.
Floor
H15000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-08-06
11:02:49
Received in the House.
Floor
H14000
2
House floor actions
- 2024-08-02
Senate
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Floor
- 2024-07-31
Senate
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)
Floor
- 2024-07-31
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S5670-5676)
Floor
17000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-07-31
Senate
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Floor
- 2024-07-31
Senate
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5665; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5665-5670)
Floor
- 2024-01-25
Senate
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 312.
Calendars
- 2024-01-25
  - ssev00
Environment and Public Works Committee
Senate
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Carper with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee
- 2024-01-25
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Carper with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee
14000
9
Library of Congress
  - ssev00
Environment and Public Works Committee
- 2023-09-13
  - ssev00
Environment and Public Works Committee
Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
IntroReferral
- 2023-09-13
Introduced in Senate
IntroReferral
10000
9
Library of Congress
- H001046
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Martin
Heinrich
D
NM
T.
N
- R000584
Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
James
Risch
R
ID
E.
2023-09-13
True
- H000273
Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
John
Hickenlooper
D
CO
W.
2023-09-13
True
- C000880
Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Mike
Crapo
R
ID
2023-09-13
True
- S001191
Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [I-AZ]
Kyrsten
Sinema
I
AZ
2023-09-13
True
- D000618
Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Steve
Daines
R
MT
2023-09-13
True
- L000570
Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Ben
Luján
D
NM
R.
2023-09-13
True
- B001261
Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
John
Barrasso
R
WY
2023-09-13
True
- K000377
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Mark
Kelly
D
AZ
2023-09-13
True
- L000571
Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
Cynthia
Lummis
R
WY
M.
2023-09-13
True
- T000464
Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Jon
Tester
D
MT
2023-09-13
True
- T000250
Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
John
Thune
R
SD
2023-09-13
True
- C001113
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Catherine
Cortez Masto
D
NV
2023-09-13
True
- C001096
Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
Kevin
Cramer
R
ND
2023-09-13
True
- R000608
Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Jacklyn
Rosen
D
NV
2023-09-13
True
- B001236
Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
John
Boozman
R
AR
2023-09-13
True
- B001267
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Michael
Bennet
D
CO
2023-09-13
True
- S001198
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Dan
Sullivan
R
AK
2023-09-13
True
- W000779
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Ron
Wyden
D
OR
2023-09-13
True
- M001153
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Lisa
Murkowski
R
AK
2023-09-26
False
- M001176
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Jeff
Merkley
D
OR
2023-10-03
False
- B001310
Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Mike
Braun
R
IN
2023-10-03
False
- S000770
Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Debbie
Stabenow
D
MI
2023-10-18
False
- R000615
Sen. Romney, Mitt [R-UT]
Mitt
Romney
R
UT
2023-10-18
False
- W000802
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Sheldon
Whitehouse
D
RI
2023-10-19
False
- E000295
Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Joni
Ernst
R
IA
2023-10-19
False
- P000145
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Alex
Padilla
D
CA
2024-01-17
False
- H001061
Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND]
John
Hoeven
R
ND
2024-01-17
False
- S001203
Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
Tina
Smith
D
MN
2024-01-31
False
- R000605
Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
Mike
Rounds
R
SD
2024-01-31
False
- W000800
Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]
Peter
Welch
D
VT
2024-02-08
False
- M001190
Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK]
Markwayne
Mullin
R
OK
2024-02-08
False
- S001194
Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Brian
Schatz
D
HI
2024-03-07
False
- C001047
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
Shelley
Capito
R
WV
Moore
2024-03-07
False
- B001320
Sen. Butler, Laphonza R. [D-CA]
Laphonza
Butler
D
CA
2024-03-22
False
- L000577
Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Mike
Lee
R
UT
2024-03-22
False
- M001183
Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Joseph
Manchin
D
WV
2024-05-15
False
- B001305
Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
Ted
Budd
R
NC
2024-05-15
False
- S001181
Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Jeanne
Shaheen
D
NH
2024-07-08
False
- T000476
Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
Thomas
Tillis
R
NC
Roland
2024-07-08
False
- C001095
Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Tom
Cotton
R
AR
2024-07-11
False
- Public Law
118-155
Environmental Protection
- Congressional oversight
2024-08-14T13:30:27Z
- Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
2024-08-01T19:40:48Z
- Government information and archives
2024-08-14T13:29:42Z
- Government trust funds
2024-08-01T19:40:36Z
- Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
2024-08-01T19:35:28Z
- Intergovernmental relations
2024-08-14T13:30:17Z
- Land use and conservation
2024-08-01T19:33:03Z
- Licensing and registrations
2024-08-14T13:29:23Z
- Mining
2024-08-01T19:32:53Z
- Pollution liability
2024-08-01T19:35:46Z
- Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
2024-08-01T19:33:28Z
- Soil pollution
2024-08-01T19:35:16Z
- State and local government operations
2024-08-14T13:29:31Z
- Water quality
2024-08-14T13:29:16Z
Environmental Protection
2023-09-22T14:30:24Z
00
2023-09-13
Introduced in Senate
2023-10-02T12:55:21Z
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2023
This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue.
The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without being subject to enforcement or liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site.
In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.
25
2024-01-25
Reported to Senate
2024-02-06T22:09:50Z
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue.
The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue certain permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without being subject to enforcement or liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site.
In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.
55
2024-07-31
Passed Senate
2024-12-09T14:11:08Z
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue.
The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue certain permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites to protect human health and the environment without being subject to enforcement or liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site. EPA may only grant permits for projects that meet certain requirements. The bill terminates the program after seven years.
The bill also outlines requirements for reviewing Good Samaritan permits under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.
49
2024-12-17
Public Law
2025-08-19T19:29:38Z
Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
This act promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan is a person that (1) is not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of waste, such as acid mine drainage, at the site; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the mine waste.
(Sec. 4) The act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue up to 15 permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate mine waste at abandoned hardrock mine sites to protect human health and the environment without being subject to enforcement or liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site. The act applies to liability under the Clean Water Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERLA).
The EPA may only grant permits for projects that meet certain requirements, including a demonstration that (1) the project poses a low risk to the environment; and (2) the Good Samaritan possesses, or has the ability to secure, the financial and other resources necessary to complete the permitted work and address any contingencies.
The act terminates the program after seven years. However, the EPA may grant a permit after the program terminates if the application for the permit is (1) submitted at least 180 days before the termination date, and (2) completed before the program terminates.
A Good Samaritan must make reasonable and diligent efforts to identify all responsible owners or operators of an abandoned hardrock mine site proposed to be remediated by the Good Samaritan. If the EPA determines that a responsible owner or operator exists for such site, then the EPA must deny the application for a Good Samaritan permit.
The EPA may grant investigative sampling permits that authorize a Good Samaritan to determine (1) the concentrations, locations, and releases of any hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants at an abandoned hardrock mine site; and (2) whether the Good Samaritan is willing to perform further remediation and will proceed under a Good Samaritan permit. The act establishes a process to convert investigative sampling permits into Good Samaritan permits.
A Good Samaritan permit may include a provision that a Good Samaritan may assert a claim of force majeure for any violation of the permit caused solely by (1) an act of God, (2) an act of war, (3) negligence on the part of the United States, (4) an act or omission of a third party under certain circumstances, or (5) a public health emergency.
A Good Samaritan permit may be transferred only if the EPA determines that the transferee qualifies as a Good Samaritan and other conditions are met.
Additionally, the act establishes requirements for the EPA to notify state, local, and tribal governments of applications for the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites. A Good Samaritan must notify all appropriate federal, state, tribal, and local entities of any unplanned or previously unknown release of mine waste caused by the actions of the Good Samaritan or any cooperating person in accordance with applicable laws.
Good Samaritans must take actions required under their permits to ensure appropriate baseline conditions, monitoring during the remediation project, and post-remediation monitoring of the environment.
Good Samaritans may reprocess materials recovered while remediating the site if (1) the project is on land owned by the United States, (2) the applicable federal land management agency approves, (3) the proceeds from the sale or use of the materials are used to defray remediation costs or to reimburse such agencies to the extent required by the permit, and (4) any remaining proceeds are deposited into the appropriate Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund.
The act also outlines requirements for reviewing Good Samaritan permits under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
The act makes projects conducted under such permits eligible for funding under certain grant programs for state implementation plans under the Clean Water Act and brownfield revitalization funding under CERCLA.
(Sec. 5) In addition, the act establishes Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Funds for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.
(Sec. 6) Within eight years, the EPA must evaluate and report on the Good Samaritan pilot program.

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
- Display Title
45

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
2024-12-20T12:03:17Z
- Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill text
147

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
2024-12-12T03:08:16Z
J
Joint
Enrolled Bill
ENR
- Short Title(s) as Passed Senate
105

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
2024-08-01T03:53:15Z
S
Senate
Engrossed in Senate
ES
- Short Title(s) as Introduced
101

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2023
2024-05-24T13:36:34Z
Introduced in Senate
IS
- Short Title(s) as Reported to Senate
103

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
2024-05-24T13:34:34Z
S
Senate
Reported to Senate
RS
- Official Title as Introduced
6

A bill to promote remediation of abandoned hardrock mines, and for other purposes.
2024-02-08T13:54:33Z
Introduced in Senate
IS
3215
118
SAMDT
To improve the bill.
2024-08-02T11:08:17Z
2024-07-31
Amendment SA 3215 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
SA 3215
https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/senate-amendment/3215
- H001046
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Martin
Heinrich
D
NM
T.
- W000800
Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large]
Peter
Welch
D
VT
Submitted on behalf of
- W000800
Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large]
Peter
Welch
D
VT
Proposed on behalf of
1
1
- R000584
Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
James
Risch
R
ID
E.
2024-07-31
True
2024-07-31T04:00:00Z
2024-07-31T04:00:00Z
Senate
118
S
Senate
S
2781

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024
2025-11-18
6
- 2024-07-31
0
Senate
Amendment SA 3215 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Floor
- 2024-07-31
0
Senate
Amendment SA 3215 proposed by Senator Welch for Senator Heinrich. (consideration: CR S5670) To improve the bill.
Floor
- 2024-07-31
IntroReferral
Intro-S
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-07-31
Senate amendment proposed (on the floor): Amendment SA 3215 proposed by Senator Welch for Senator Heinrich.
Floor
93000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-07-31
Senate amendment agreed to: Amendment SA 3215 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Floor
94000
9
Library of Congress
- 2024-07-31
Senate amendment submitted
Floor
91000
9
Library of Congress
1
- Enrolled Bill
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118s2781enr/xml/BILLS-118s2781enr.xml
- Engrossed in Senate
2024-07-31T04:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118s2781es/xml/BILLS-118s2781es.xml
- Reported to Senate
2024-01-25T05:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118s2781rs/xml/BILLS-118s2781rs.xml
- Introduced in Senate
2023-09-13T04:00:00Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118s2781is/xml/BILLS-118s2781is.xml
- 2024-12-18T04:59:59Z
  - https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-118publ155/uslm/PLAW-118publ155.xml
United States Legislative Markup
Public Law
2024-12-17
Became Public Law No: 118-155.
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress
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