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Out West (Presented by the Western Governors Association)Author: Western Governors Association
Welcome to Out West, the official podcast of the Western Governors Association. Tune in each month to hear experts debate the most important issues facing the region. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Cleaning Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines with Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper
Episode 48
Thursday, 16 October, 2025
Somewhere between 140,000 and 390,000 abandoned hardrock mines are scattered throughout the West. Many have sat idle for decades, posing serious safety risks and polluting Western waterways. Last year, Congress took action on this issue by passing the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. The law launches a pilot program that allows for the cleanup of 15 mine sites without fear of liability — a landmark step to accelerate reclamation across the region. Western Governors have advocated for this legislation for decades, and WGA celebrated the bill's passage. Tune in to hear from Colorado Senator and former Governor John Hickenlooper as well as experts and organizations involved in cleaning up abandoned mines. They share why this legislation matters, how the pilot program will work, and what kinds of projects could finally move forward under its protections. In addition to Senator Hickenlooper, you'll hear from David Hockey, the Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains; Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited; and Rob Ghiglieri, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals.
