NGO letter mining in permitting side deal

A coalition of NGOs argues that the proposed Energy Independence and Security Act of 2022 would undermine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental laws by fast-tracking mine permits and reducing community input. The authors contend that hardrock mining's inherent complexity and potential for perpetual toxic waste require rigorous, science-based reviews rather than arbitrary timelines. They suggest that permitting efficiency should be improved through better staffing and the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act's funding rather than by truncating public scrutiny. The letter emphasizes the disproportionate impact of mining on Indigenous communities and advocates for the Environmental Justice for All Act and the RESPECT Act as superior alternatives for achieving environmental justice.

• The proposed Energy Independence and Security Act of 2022 is criticized for reducing public accountability and community input by allowing mining companies to request the elevation of their preferred mine plans and enabling 'special fast-track treatment' that shortens comment periods and limits access to information.
• Hardrock mining is described as inherently complex, often resulting in 'chronic seepage' and 'sudden accidental releases' of toxic waste that may require water treatment in perpetuity, making rigid, legislated timelines for environmental reviews dangerous to science and safety.
• The authors argue that permitting delays are primarily caused by 'untimely or incomplete information' provided by applicants, rather than the review process itself, citing Government Accountability Office (GAO) data that shows public lands agencies average two years to permit a hardrock mine.
• The document highlights the specific vulnerabilities of Indigenous communities, noting a history of 'intergenerational trauma' and violence against women and girls in rural areas near mining activities, often linked to 'man camps'.
• As alternatives to the 'side deal', the authors advocate for the Environmental Justice for All Act and the RESPECT Act to strengthen tribal consultation and the Civil Rights Act, and suggest using the $1 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to support effective environmental reviews.

APA

Earthjustice (2022). NGO letter mining in permitting side deal. https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/ngo_letter-_mining_in_permitting_side_deal_dec_1.pdf

Chicago

Earthjustice. NGO letter mining in permitting side deal. 2022. https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/ngo_letter-_mining_in_permitting_side_deal_dec_1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Earthjustice |title=NGO letter mining in permitting side deal |date=30 November 2022 |url=https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/ngo_letter-_mining_in_permitting_side_deal_dec_1.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{earthjustice2022ngo, author = {{Earthjustice}}, title = {{NGO letter mining in permitting side deal}}, publisher = {Earthjustice}, year = {2022}, month = nov, url = {https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/ngo_letter-_mining_in_permitting_side_deal_dec_1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }