Legislation & Regulation
Legislative and Regulatory Update
July 2022 by Scott Harn
• Extremist groups are at it again
As can be expected, environmental extremist groups have filed suit to stop another mining project. This time, it’s the Excellon Idaho Gold’s Kilgore Gold Exploration Project in Clark County, Idaho.
Some of the usual suspects are involved—the Idaho Conservation League and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.
The groups claim the Forest Service violated environmental laws when they approved exploratory drilling. They claim the Forest Service should have opted for a complete Environmental Impact Statement (EIR) rather than following an Executive Order issued by former President Trump that expedited the review process.
• No sales tax on precious metals in Tennessee
Tennessee became the 42nd state to eliminate sales taxes on precious metals on May 27th.
Lead bill sponsor Bud Hulsey said, “I’ve been working to free gold and silver from sales taxes in Tennessee since my kids were in elementary school. The Sound Money Defense League, in-state dealers, and folks all across Tennessee made their voices heard and helped get this bill across the finish line.”
The only states that still tax precious metal coins and bullion are Vermont, New Jersey, Maine, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Mississippi and Hawaii. The District of Columbia also taxes physical gold and silver purchases.
MMAC Update
After many decades of closures, land-use restrictions, and over-regulation, miners and all other public land users may finally see some real relief due to the efforts of MMAC.
Clarification on Oregon's SB838
The 100-yard restriction in SB838 actually applies to all motorized mining for the purpose of extracting gold, silver or any other precious metal that results in the disturbance of vegetation.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• WOTUS
• Sheriff withdraws Forest Service law enforcement authority
Obama Administration Moves to Block Mining Near Yellowstone
Republicans and industry representatives have criticized the administration’s eleventh-hour actions to limit development and promised to seek their reversal once Obama leaves office.
Significant Progress for California Suction Gold Dredgers
It was a milestone day in the battle to maintain the rights of miners to dredge on federal mining claims in California.
Contact Information for Oregon Senators
Phone or email these Senators and politely express your thoughts and opinions on the pending legislation. (See Legislative and Regulatory Update for more information on the pending legislation.)
Legislative and Regulatory Update
- Property rights advocate in running for top BLM spot
- “Draining the swamp” at Interior
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