Telluride Watch
January 21, 2008, K.C. Mason

DENVER – A concerted effort to re-write both federal and state laws governing hard rock mining in Colorado is picking up steam at the state capitol in Denver. Companion measures prompted by a fight over plans for an in-situ uranium mine in northeastern Colorado’s Weld County were introduced last week in the state Legislature to bump up regulation of the industry. “We’re on the verge of a new mining boom in Colorado, but it could leave behind a toxic legacy,” said Rep. Randy Fisher, D-Fort Collins, in the official roll-out of House Bills 1161 and 1165. “We need to encourage responsible mining practices and ensure that Colorado’s communities and our waters are protected.” And a group of landowners, sportsmen and environmentalists, noting a “rush to mine” in Colorado, is putting the spotlight on this Thursday’s hearing on mining law reform before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources in Washington D.C. Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar is a member of the committee. ...

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