AUGUSTA
The state Senate unanimously approved a bill to establish stricter mining rules in an initial vote on Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Everett “Brownie” Carson, would ban open pit mining entirely and includes a number of protections for rivers, ponds and other bodies of water. It also requires mining companies to assure that they have the assets to clean up any potential spill or accident.
The bill is supported by the Natural Resources Council of Maine, where Carson used to serve as executive director.
“We have to be serious about protecting our water, our health and our taxpayer dollars from the potential dangers of metallic mining,” said Carson in a press release. “This bill sends a simple message to mining companies: The health and wellbeing of Mainers will always come before your bottom line.”
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