Committee advances bill to direct more mine license tax toward abandoned mine cleanup

The Idaho House Resources and Conservation Committee voted to send House Bill H226 to the House floor with a “do pass” recommendation after sponsors and industry representatives described the measure as a way to stabilize the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund and prioritize on-the-ground reclamation.

State Representative Dustin Manwaring of Pocatello, who presented the bill, said its purpose is “to stabilize this fund so that in down cycles we don't see the same pattern of ongoing expenditures depleting the fund.” He outlined four main provisions: redirecting a higher percentage of the mine license tax to the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund; allowing voluntary contributions to be directed to future mitigation; requiring a majority of fund expenditures to go toward eligible abandoned-mines projects rather than management or personnel costs; and creating a public advisory committee with…