Bill aims to speed gold mining reviews in the U.S.

Summary: The Republican-led U.S. House recently passed a measure to speed up review of gold, silver, copper and uranium mining on federal lands. The bill sets a 30-month timeline for environmental reviews, as well as give officials the discretion to waive federal environmental reviews and accept a state review. Supporters of the measure, including Rep. Mark Amodei of Nevada, say the bill will create jobs by getting rid of waiting periods for new mines. Opponents of the measure, which include the White House, claim the bill removes many vital environmental safeguards. Even though the bill passed by a comfortable margin in the House (246-178), it is expected to die in the Senate. Read more…