Environmentalists blast federal government’s defense of rules for mining on public land

Environmentalists blast fed defense of mine rules

DENVER — Environmentalists are denouncing a decision by the Obama administration to support Bush-era rules they believe give mine companies unlimited access to public lands to process ore and dump waste.

The administration has asked a federal judge to dismiss a challenge by environmental and community groups to a rule that lifted a restriction on how much public land companies can use. The groups are also challenging a 2008 rule that says companies aren’t required to pay the going rate to use the land.

The National Mining Association says the change is needed for mining on federal lands in the West.

Environmentalists say the Obama administration’s decision conflicts with its pledge to overhaul a law regulating hard-rock mining on public land.