H.R. 1366: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act
Sponsor
Mark Amodei
Republican · NV-2
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Dec 18, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Why it matters
This bill could fast-track new hardrock mines and address abandoned mine pollution across the U.S.
The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act aims to modernize how hardrock mining is regulated on federal lands. By making it easier for mining companies to use multiple 'mill sites'—the places where mined rock is processed or waste is stored—the bill could speed up new projects for minerals critical to tech, batteries, and industry.
The legislation defines 'mill sites' more clearly, and spells out processes for getting approval from federal agencies. At the same time, it creates a special fund to pay for the cleanup of abandoned mines, which often leak toxic metals into local water supplies and communities.
Mining industry groups have long pushed for these changes, arguing that vague and outdated federal rules have held back new investment and mine development. But some environmental groups warn that making it easier to open new mill sites could mean more land disruption and pollution, unless strong guardrails are enforced. The creation of a fund for abandoned mines is widely supported—but details about how much funding will be available, and how sites will be prioritized, are still murky.
What does H.R. 1366 do?
Allows Multiple Mill Sites
Makes it legal for mining projects to establish and use multiple mill sites on public lands.
Defines 'Mill Site' and 'Plan of Operations'
Gives clear definitions for what counts as a mill site and what plans mining companies must submit to federal agencies.
Creates the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund
Establishes a new fund dedicated to cleaning up environmental hazards from old, abandoned hardrock mines.
Streamlines Federal Approvals
Clarifies the roles of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture in reviewing mining plans.
Links Cleanup to New Mining
Encourages that revenues or processes from new mining help support cleanup of past mining pollution.
Who benefits from H.R. 1366?
Mining Companies
Face fewer barriers opening new or expanded hardrock mines on federal land.
Tech and Energy Industries
Could gain greater domestic access to minerals like lithium, copper, and rare earth elements.
Nearby Communities (Abandoned Mines)
Stand to benefit from cleanup of polluted and hazardous abandoned mine sites.
Federal Land Management Agencies
Gain clearer rules and processes to follow for both mining approvals and site cleanups.
Who is affected by H.R. 1366?
Environmental and Conservation Groups
Worry about expanded mining activity and possible threats to public lands.
Western States and Rural Communities
Could see both job growth and potential environmental impacts from increased mining and cleanup activity.
Taxpayers
May be on the hook for mine cleanup costs if the new fund is inadequate or if mining bankruptcies occur.
Outdoor Recreation Users
Public land access and landscapes could change with more mining or cleanup operations.
H.R. 1366 Common Questions
How many mill sites can a mining company claim under HR 1366?
Under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (SEC. 2(a)), operators may locate as many mill site claims as are reasonably necessary for operations in an approved plan of operations.
How big can a single mill site be under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act?
A single mill site cannot exceed 5 acres under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (SEC. 2(a)).
Can mining companies get mineral rights from a mill site under HR 1366?
No. Under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (SEC. 2(a)), a mill site conveys no mineral rights to the locator.
Can a mill site be patented under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act?
No. The bill says mill sites are not eligible for patenting under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (SEC. 2(a)).
What counts as a mill site under HR 1366?
According to HR 1366 SEC. 2(a), a mill site is public land reasonably necessary for waste rock, tailings disposal, or other operations incident to mineral development or production in a plan of operations.
Can a mining company place a mill site on land where it already has a lode or placer claim?
Yes. Under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (SEC. 2(a)), a mill site may be located on public land where the claimant or operator already maintains a lode or placer claim.
Which federal agencies approve hardrock mining plans under HR 1366?
Under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (SEC. 2(a)), plans of operations must be submitted to and approved by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture.
Does HR 1366 create a fund for abandoned hardrock mine cleanup?
Yes. The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act creates an Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund in the U.S. Treasury under SEC. 2(b).
How is the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund paid for under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act?
According to HR 1366 SEC. 2(b), the fund is financed by claim maintenance fees collected by the Interior Secretary on mill sites located under the Act.
Can abandoned hardrock mine cleanup money be spent without Congress passing another appropriation?
Yes. Under the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (SEC. 2(b)), the Interior Secretary may spend fund amounts without further appropriations, exclusively for cleanup under 30 U.S.C. 1245.
Based on H.R. 1366 bill text
HR1366 Legislative Journey
House: Passed 219-198
Dec 18, 2025
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 198 (Roll no. 358). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H6044)
+12 more actions this day
House: Committee Action
Dec 16, 2025
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 951 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
House: Committee Action
Nov 25, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-386.
House: Vote: 25-17
Sep 17, 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 17.
House: Committee Action
Sep 3, 2025
Subcommittee Hearings Held
House: Committee Action
Aug 29, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
House: Committee Action
Feb 14, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
About the Sponsor
Mark Amodei
Republican, Nevada's 2nd congressional district · 15 years in Congress
Committees: Appropriations, Natural Resources
View full profile →
Cosponsors (2)
This bill has 2 cosponsors: 1 Democrat, 1 Republican, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 2 states: Alaska, Nevada.
Committee Sponsors
Natural Resources Committee
1 of 43 committee members cosponsored
23 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
What laws does H.R. 1366 change?
1 changes
Sections Amended
Section 2337 of Revised Statutes of the United States (30 U.S.C. 42)
adding at the end the following: ``(c) Additional Mill Sites
H.R. 1366 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Natural Resources
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Environmental Protection
- Introduced
- Feb 14, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Dec 18, 2025
Constituent Resources
Official Sources
Full bill text, actions, cosponsors, and legislative history for the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act.
The existing federal statute governing mill site patents on nonmineral lands that HR 1366 amends.
The federal statute authorizing abandoned hardrock mine cleanup that the new fund would finance under SEC. 2(b).
Bureau of Land Management overview of mining claims, regulations (43 CFR 3809), and mineral development on federal lands.
Interior Department program for inventorying, assessing, and remediating abandoned hardrock mines under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
BLM's program addressing physical safety and environmental hazards from roughly 500,000 abandoned hardrock mines on public lands.
The 2022 court ruling on Rosemont Copper Mine that restricted mill site claims — the decision this bill directly responds to.
The committee that reported HR 1366, overseeing mining, public lands, and mineral resources legislation.
H.R. 1366 Bill Text
“To provide for the location of multiple hardrock mining mill sites, to establish the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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