0001|                           HOUSE BILL 1095
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0002|     43rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 1997
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0003|                            INTRODUCED BY
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0004|                             GARY K. KING
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0005|     
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0006|                                   
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0007|     
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0008|                                   
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0009|     
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0010|                                AN ACT
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0011|     RELATING TO MINING; AMENDING SECTIONS OF THE NEW MEXICO MINING
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0012|     ACT TO CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE MINING COMMISSION, TO AMEND
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0013|     THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED INSPECTIONS, TO ALLOW FOR A CHANGE OF
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0014|     VENUE FOR CITIZEN SUITS AND TO INCREASE PUBLIC NOTICE AND
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0015|     OPPORTUNITY FOR HEARINGS REGARDING PERMITS.
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0016|     
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0017|     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
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0018|          Section 1.  Section 69-36-6 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1993,
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0019|     Chapter 315, Section 6) is amended to read:
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0020|          "69-36-6.  MINING COMMISSION--CREATED--MEMBERS.--
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0021|               A.  The "mining commission" is created.  The
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0022|     commission shall consist of seven voting members, including:
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0023|                    (1)  the director of the bureau of mines and
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0024|     mineral resources of the New Mexico institute of mining and
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0025|     technology or <s>[an academic from a mining-related field to be
</s>    |
<s></s>0001| <s>    appointed for a four-year term by the governor with the advice
</s>    |
<s></s>0002| <s>    and consent of the senate]</s> <u>his designee</u>;
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0003|                    (2)  the secretary of environment or his
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0004|     designee;
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0005|                    (3)  the state engineer or his designee;
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0006|                    (4)  the commissioner of public lands or his
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0007|     designee;
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0008|                    (5)  the director of the department of game and
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0009|     fish or his designee; and
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0010|                    (6)  two members of the public and an alternate
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0011|     for each, all to be appointed by the governor with the advice
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0012|     and consent of the senate.  The public members shall be chosen
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0013|     to represent and to balance environmental and mining interests
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0014|     while minimizing conflicts of interest.  No more than one of
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0015|     the public members and one of the alternates appointed may
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0016|     belong to the same political party.  When the initial
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0017|     appointments are made, one of the public members and his
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0018|     alternate will be designated to serve for two-year terms, after
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0019|     which all public members shall serve for four years.  An
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0020|     alternate member may vote only in the absence of the public
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0021|     member for whom he is the alternate.
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0022|               B.  The chairman of the soil and water conservation
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0023|     commission and the director of the agricultural experiment
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0024|     station of New Mexico state university or their designees shall
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0025|     be nonvoting <s>[ex-officio]</s> members <s>[to]</s> <u>of</u> the commission.
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0001|               C.  The commission shall elect a chairman and other
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0002|     necessary officers and keep records of its proceedings.
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0003|               D.  The commission shall convene upon the call of
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0004|     the chairman or a majority of its members.
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0005|               E.  A majority of the voting members of the
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0006|     commission shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. 
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0007|     However, no action of the commission shall be valid unless
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0008|     concurred upon by at least four of the members present.
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0009|               F.  No member of the commission, with the exception
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0010|     of one of the public members and his alternate, shall receive,
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0011|     or shall have received during the previous two years, more than
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0012|     ten percent of his income directly or indirectly from permit
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0013|     holders or applicants for permits.  Each member of the
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0014|     commission shall, upon acceptance of his appointment and prior
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0015|     to the performance of any of his duties, file a statement of
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0016|     disclosure with the secretary of state stating:
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0017|                    (1)  the amount of money or other valuable
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0018|     consideration received, whether provided directly or
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0019|     indirectly, from persons subject to or who appear before the
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0020|     commission;
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0021|                    (2)  the identity of the source of money or
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0022|     other valuable consideration; and
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0023|                    (3)  whether the money or other valuable
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0024|     consideration was in excess of ten percent of his gross

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0025|     personal income in either of the preceding two years.  
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0001|               G.  No commissioner with any financial interest
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0002|     affected or potentially affected by a permit action may
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0003|     participate in proceedings related to that permit action."
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0004|          Section 2.  Section 69-36-7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1993,
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0005|     Chapter 315, Section 7) is amended to read:
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0006|          "69-36-7.  COMMISSION--DUTIES.--The commission shall:
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0007|               A. <s>[within one year of the effective date of the
</s>    |
<s></s>0008| <s>    New Mexico Mining Act]</s> <u>before June 18, 1994</u>, adopt and file
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0009|     reasonable regulations <s>[consistent with the purposes and
</s>    |
<s></s>0010| <s>    intent of the New Mexico Mining Act]</s> necessary to implement
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0011|     <s>[that]</s> <u>the provisions of the New Mexico Mining</u> Act,
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0012|     including regulations that:
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0013|                    (1)  consider the economic and environmental
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0014|     effects of their implementation;
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0015|                    (2)  require permitting of all new and existing
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0016|     mining operations and exploration; and
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0017|                    (3)  require annual reporting of production
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0018|     information to the commission, which shall be kept confidential
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0019|     if otherwise required by law;
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0020|               B.  adopt regulations for new mining operations that
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0021|     allow the director to select a qualified expert who may:
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0022|                    (1)  review and comment to the director on the
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0023|     adequacy of baseline data gathered prior to submission of the
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0024|     permit application for use in the permit application process;
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0025|                    (2)  recommend to the director additional
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0001|     baseline data that may be necessary in the review of the
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0002|     proposed mining activity;
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0003|                    (3)  recommend to the director methodology
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0004|     guidelines to be followed in the collection of all baseline
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0005|     data; and
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0006|                    (4)  review and comment on the permit
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0007|     application;
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0008|               C.  adopt regulations that require and provide for
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0009|     the issuance and renewal of permits for new and existing mining
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0010|     operations and exploration and that establish schedules to
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0011|     bring existing mining operations into compliance with the
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0012|     requirements of the New Mexico Mining Act; provided the term of
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0013|     a permit for a new mining operation shall not exceed twenty
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0014|     years and the term of renewals of permits for new mining
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0015|     operations shall not exceed ten years;
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0016|               D.  adopt regulations that provide for permit
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0017|     modifications.  The commission shall establish criteria to
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0018|     determine which permit modifications may have significant
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0019|     environmental impact.  Modifications that the director
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0020|     determines will have significant environmental impact shall
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0021|     require public notice and an opportunity for public hearing
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0022|     pursuant to Subsection K of this section.  A permit
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0023|     modification to the permit for an existing mining operation
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0024|     shall be obtained for each new discrete processing, leaching,
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0025|     excavation, storage or stockpile unit located within the permit
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0001|     area of an existing mining operation and not identified in the
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0002|     permit of an existing mining operation and for each expansion
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0003|     of such a unit identified in the permit for an existing mining
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0004|     operation that exceeds the design limits specified in the
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0005|     permit.  The regulations shall require that permit
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0006|     modifications for such units be approved if the director
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0007|     determines that the unit will:
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0008|                    (1)  comply with the regulations regarding
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0009|     permit modifications;
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0010|                    (2)  incorporate the requirements of Paragraphs
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0011|     (1), (2), (4), (5) and (6) of Subsection H of this section; and 
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0012|                    (3)  be sited and constructed in a manner that
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0013|     facilitates, to the maximum extent practicable, contemporaneous
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0014|     reclamation consistent with the closeout plan;
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0015|               E.  adopt regulations that require new and existing
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0016|     mining operations to obtain and maintain permits for standby
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0017|     status.  A permit for standby status shall be issued for a
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0018|     maximum term of five years; provided that upon application the
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0019|     director may renew a permit for standby status for no more than
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0020|     three additional five-year terms.  The regulations shall
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0021|     require that before a permit for standby status is issued or
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0022|     renewed an owner or operator shall:
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0023|                    (1)  identify the projected term of standby
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0024|     status for each unit of the new or existing mining operation;
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0025|                    (2)  take measures that reduce, to the extent
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0001|     practicable, the formation of acid and other toxic drainage to
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0002|     prevent releases that cause federal or state environmental
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0003|     standards to be exceeded;
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0004|                    (3)  meet applicable federal and state
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0005|     environmental standards and regulations during the period of
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0006|     standby status;
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0007|                    (4)  stabilize waste and storage units, leach
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0008|     piles, impoundments and pits during the term of standby status;
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0009|                    (5)  comply with applicable requirements of the
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0010|     New Mexico Mining Act and the regulations adopted pursuant to
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0011|     that act; and
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0012|                    (6)  provide an analysis of the economic
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0013|     viability of each unit proposed for standby status;
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0014|               F.  establish by regulation closeout plan
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0015|     requirements for existing mining operations that incorporate
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0016|     site-specific characteristics, including consideration of
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0017|     disturbances from previous mining operations, and that take
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0018|     into account the mining method utilized;
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0019|               G.  establish by regulation a procedure for the
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0020|     issuance of a permit for an existing mining operation and for
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0021|     modifications of that permit to incorporate approved closeout
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0022|     plans or portions of closeout plans and financial assurance
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0023|     requirements for performance of the closeout plans.  The permit
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0024|     shall describe the permit area of the existing mining operation
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0025|     and the design limits of units of the existing mining operation
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0001|     based upon the site assessment submitted by the operator.  The
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0002|     permit shall contain a schedule for completion of a closeout
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0003|     plan.  The permit shall thereafter be modified to incorporate
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0004|     the approved closeout plan or portions of the closeout plan
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0005|     once financial assurance has been provided for completion of
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0006|     the closeout plan or the approved portions of the closeout
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0007|     plan.  The permit may be modified for new mining units,
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0008|     expansions beyond the design limits of a unit at an existing
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0009|     mining operation or standby status;
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0010|               H.  establish by regulation permit and reclamation
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0011|     requirements for new mining operations that incorporate site-
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0012|     specific characteristics.  These requirements shall, at a
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0013|     minimum:
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0014|                    (1)  require that new mining operations be
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0015|     designed and operated using the most appropriate technology and
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0016|     the best management practices;
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0017|                    (2)  assure protection of human health and
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0018|     safety, the environment, wildlife and domestic animals;
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0019|                    (3)  include backfilling or partial backfilling
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0020|     only when necessary to achieve reclamation objectives that
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0021|     cannot be accomplished through other mitigation measures;
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0022|                    (4)  require approval by the director that the
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0023|     permit area will achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem
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0024|     appropriate for the life zone of the surrounding areas
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0025|     following closure unless conflicting with the approved post-
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0001|     mining land use;
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0002|                    (5)  require that new mining operations be
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0003|     designed in a manner that incorporates measures to reduce, to
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0004|     the extent practicable, the formation of acid and other toxic
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0005|     drainage that may otherwise occur following closure to prevent
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0006|     releases that cause federal or state standards to be exceeded;
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0007|                    (6)  require that nonpoint source surface
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0008|     releases of acid or other toxic substances shall be contained
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0009|     within the permit area;
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0010|                    (7)  require that all waste, waste management
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0011|     units, pits, heaps, pads and any other storage piles are
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0012|     designed, sited and constructed in a manner that facilitates,
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0013|     to the maximum extent practicable, contemporaneous reclamation
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0014|     and are consistent with the new mining operation's approved
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0015|     reclamation plan; and
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0016|                    (8)  where sufficient topsoil is present, take
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0017|     measures to preserve it from erosion or contamination and
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0018|     assure that it is in a usable condition for sustaining
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0019|     vegetation when needed;
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0020|               I.  adopt regulations that establish a permit
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0021|     application process for new mining operations that includes:
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0022|                    (1)  disclosure of ownership and controlling
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0023|     interests in the new mining operation or submission of the
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0024|     applicant's most recent form 10K required by the federal
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0025|     securities <u>and</u> exchange commission;
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0001|                    (2)  a statement of all mining operations
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0002|     within the United States owned, operated or directly controlled
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0003|     by the applicant, owner or operator and by persons or entities
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0004|     that directly control the applicant and the names and the
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0005|     addresses of regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the
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0006|     environmental aspects of those operations and that could
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0007|     provide a compliance history for those operations and over the
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0008|     preceding ten years.  The operator shall assist the applicant
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0009|     in obtaining compliance history information;
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0010|                    (3)  a description of the type and method of
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0011|     mining and the engineering techniques proposed;
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0012|                    (4)  the anticipated starting and termination
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0013|     dates of each phase of the new mining operation and the number
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0014|     of acres of land to be affected;
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0015|                    (5)  the names of all affected watersheds, the
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0016|     location of any perennial, ephemeral or intermittent surface
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0017|     stream or tributary into which surface or pit drainage will be
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0018|     discharged or may possibly be expected to reach and the
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0019|     location of any spring within the permit area and the affected
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0020|     area;
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0021|                    (6)  a determination of the probable hydrologic
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0022|     consequences of the new mining operation and reclamation, both
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0023|     on and off the permit area, with respect to the hydrologic
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0024|     regime, quantity and quality of surface and ground water
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0025|     systems, including the dissolved and suspended solids under
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0001|     seasonal flow conditions;
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0002|                    (7)  cross-sections or plans of the permit area
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0003|     depicting:
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0004|                         (a)  the nature and depth of the various
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0005|     formations of overburden;
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0006|                         (b)  the location of subsurface water, if
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0007|     encountered, and its quality;
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0008|                         (c)  the nature and location of any ore
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0009|     body to be mined;
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0010|                         (d)  the location of aquifers and
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0011|     springs;
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0012|                         (e)  the estimated position and flow of
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0013|     the water table;
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0014|                         (f)  the proposed location of waste rock,
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0015|     tailings, stockpiles, heaps, pads and topsoil preservation
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0016|     areas; and
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0017|                         (g)  premining vegetation and wildlife
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0018|     habitat features present at the site;
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0019|                    (8)  the potential for geochemical alteration
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0020|     of overburden, the ore body and other materials present within
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0021|     the permit area;
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0022|                    (9)  a reclamation plan that includes a
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0023|     detailed description of the proposed post-mining land use and
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0024|     how that use is to be achieved; and
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0025|                    (10)  premining baseline data as required by
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0001|     regulations adopted by the commission;
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0002|               J.  adopt regulations to coordinate the roles of
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0003|     permitting agencies involved in regulating activities related
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0004|     to new and existing mining operations and exploration,
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0005|     including regulatory requirements, to avoid duplicative and
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0006|     conflicting administration of the permitting process and other
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0007|     requirements;
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0008|               K.  except for regulations enacted pursuant to
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0009|     Subsection L of this section, adopt regulations that:
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0010|                    <u>(1)</u>  ensure that the public and permitting
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0011|     agencies receive notice of each application for:
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0012|                         <u>(a)</u>  issuance, renewal or revision of a
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0013|     permit for a new or existing mining operation;
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0014|                         <u>(b)</u> <s>[for]</s> standby status, or
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0015|     exploration; <u>or</u>
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0016|                         <u>(c)</u>  a variance or an application for
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0017|     release of financial assurance and any inspection prior to the
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0018|     release of financial assurance;
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0019|                    <u>(2)</u> <s>[including a provision]</s> <u>include
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    provisions</u> that no action shall be taken on any application
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0021|     until an opportunity for a public hearing, held in the locality
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0022|     of the operation, is provided and that all interested persons
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0023|     shall be given a reasonable chance to submit data, views or
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0024|     arguments orally or in writing and to examine witnesses
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0025|     testifying at the hearing;  
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0001|                    <u>(3)  provide for a public hearing if there is
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    significant public interest in and a request for a public
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    hearing and if:
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>                        (a)  the applicant makes substantial
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    changes in the proposed action;
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>                        (b)  new circumstances or information
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    develops bearing on the proposed action; or 
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>                        (c)  the applicant proposes to
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    substantially change the scale or the nature of the proposed
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    action; and</u>
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0011|                    <u>(4)</u> <s>[These regulations shall]</s> require <s>[at
</s>    |
<s></s>0012| <s>    a minimum that]</s> the applicant for issuance, renewal or
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0013|     revisions of a permit or a variance or an application for
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0014|     release of financial assurance and any inspection prior to
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0015|     release of financial assurance shall provide to the director
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0016|     <u>with the application</u> proof that notice of the application
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0017|     <u>and public hearing procedure</u> has been:
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0018|                         <s>[(1)]</s> <u>(a)</u>  provided by certified mail
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0019|     to the owners of record <s>[as shown by the most recent property
</s>    |
<s></s>0020| <s>    tax schedule]</s> of all properties within one-half mile of the
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0021|     property on which the mining operation is located or is
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0022|     proposed to be located;
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0023|                         <s>[(2)]</s> <u>(b)</u>  provided by certified mail
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0024|     to all municipalities and counties within a ten-mile radius of
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0025|     the property on which the mining operation is or will be
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0001|     located;
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0002|                         <s>[(3)]</s> <u>(c)</u>  published once in a
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0003|     newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the
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0004|     property on which the mining operation is or will be located
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0005|     <s>[provided that this]</s> <u>and the</u> notice shall appear in either
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0006|     the classified or legal advertisements section of the newspaper
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0007|     and at one other place in the newspaper <s>[calculated]</s> to give
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0008|     the general public the most effective notice and, when
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0009|     appropriate, <s>[shall be printed]</s> in both English and Spanish;
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0010|                         <s>[(4)]</s> <u>(d)</u>  posted in at least four
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0011|     publicly accessible and conspicuous places, including the
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0012|     entrance to the new or existing mining operation <s>[if that
</s>    |
<s></s>0013| <s>    entrance is publicly accessible and conspicuous]</s>; and
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0014|                         <s>[(5)]</s> <u>(e)</u>  mailed <u>by certified mail</u>
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0015|     to all persons who have made a written request to the director
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0016|     <s>[for]</s> <u>a</u>  notice <u>of the application and notification if the
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    application is complete</u>;
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0018|               L.  adopt regulations to provide for permits,
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0019|     without notice and hearing, to address mining operations that
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0020|     have minimal impact on the environment; provided that such
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0021|     permits shall require general plans and shall otherwise reduce
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0022|     the permitting requirements of the New Mexico Mining Act;
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0023|               M.  establish by regulation a schedule of annual
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0024|     administrative and permit fees, which shall equal and not
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0025|     exceed the estimated costs of administration, implementation,
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0001|     enforcement, investigation and permitting pursuant to the
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0002|     provisions of the New Mexico Mining Act.  The size of the
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0003|     operation, anticipated inspection frequency and other factors
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0004|     deemed relevant by the commission shall be considered in the
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0005|     determination of the fees.  The fees established pursuant to
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0006|     this subsection shall be deposited in the mining act fund;
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0007|               N.  establish by regulation a continuing process of
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0008|     review of mining and reclamation practices in New Mexico that
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0009|     provides for periodic review and amendment of regulations and
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0010|     procedures to provide for the protection of the environment and
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0011|     consider the economic effects of the regulations;
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0012|               O.  adopt regulations governing the provision of
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0013|     variances issued by the director, stating the procedures for
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0014|     seeking a variance, including provisions for public notice and
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0015|     an opportunity for a hearing in the locality where the variance
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0016|     will be operative, the limitations on provision of variances,
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0017|     requiring the petitioner to present sufficient evidence to
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0018|     prove that failure to grant a variance will impose an undue
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0019|     economic burden and that granting the variance will not result
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0020|     in a significant threat to human health, safety or the
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0021|     environment;
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0022|               P.  provide by regulation that, prior to the
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0023|     issuance of any permit for a new mining operation pursuant to
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0024|     the provisions of the New Mexico Mining Act, the permit
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0025|     applicant or operator:
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0001|                    (1)  shall provide evidence to the director
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0002|     that other applicable state and federal permits required to be
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0003|     obtained by the new or existing mining operation either have
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0004|     been or will be issued before the activities subject to those
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0005|     permits begin; and
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0006|                    (2)  shall provide to the director a written
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0007|     determination from the secretary of environment stating that
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0008|     the permit applicant has demonstrated that the activities to be
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0009|     permitted or authorized will be expected to achieve compliance
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0010|     with all applicable air, water quality and other environmental
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0011|     standards if carried out as described;
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0012|               Q.  require by regulation that the applicant file
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0013|     with the director, prior to the issuance of a permit, financial
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0014|     assurance.  The amount of the financial assurance shall be
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0015|     sufficient to assure the completion of the performance
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0016|     requirements of the permit, including closure and reclamation,
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0017|     if the work had to be performed by the director or a third
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0018|     party contractor and shall include periodic review to account
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0019|     for any inflationary increases and anticipated changes in
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0020|     reclamation or closure costs.  The regulations shall specify
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0021|     that financial requirements shall neither duplicate nor be less
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0022|     comprehensive than the federal financial requirements.  The
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0023|     form and amount of the financial assurance shall be subject to
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0024|     the approval of the director as part of the permit application;
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0025|     provided, financial assurance does not include any type or
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0001|     variety of self-guarantee or self-insurance;
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0002|               R.  require by regulation that the permittee may
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0003|     file an application with the director for the release of all or
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0004|     part of the permittee's financial assurance.  The permittee
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0005|     shall not file an application for release of financial
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0006|     assurance more than once per year for each mining operation. 
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0007|     The application shall describe the reclamation measures
    |
0008|     completed and shall contain an estimate of the costs of
    |
0009|     reclamation measures that have not been completed.  Prior to
    |
0010|     release of any portion of the permittee's financial assurance,
    |
0011|     the director shall conduct an inspection and evaluation of the
    |
0012|     reclamation work involved.  The director shall notify persons
    |
0013|     who have requested advance notice of the inspection. 
    |
0014|     Interested members of the public shall be allowed to be present
    |
0015|     at the inspection of the reclamation work by the director.
    |
0016|                    (1)  The director may release in whole or in
    |
0017|     part the financial assurance if the reclamation covered by the
    |
0018|     financial assurance has been accomplished as required by the
    |
0019|     New Mexico Mining Act; provided that the director shall retain
    |
0020|     financial assurance at least equal to the approved estimated
    |
0021|     costs of completing reclamation measures that have not been
    |
0022|     completed; and provided further that for revegetated areas, the
    |
0023|     director shall retain the amount of financial assurance
    |
0024|     necessary for a third party to reestablish vegetation for a
    |
0025|     period of twelve years after the last year of augmented
    |
0001|     seeding, fertilizing, irrigation or other work, unless a post-
    |
0002|     mining land use is achieved that is inconsistent with the
    |
0003|     further need for revegetation.  For new mining operations only,
    |
0004|     no part of the financial assurance necessary for a third party
    |
0005|     to reestablish vegetation shall be released so long as the
    |
0006|     lands to which the release would be applicable are contributing
    |
0007|     suspended solids above background levels to streamflow of
    |
0008|     intermittent and perennial streams.
    |
0009|                    (2)  A person with an interest that is or will
    |
0010|     be adversely affected by release of the financial assurance may
    |
0011|     file, with the director within thirty days of the date of the
    |
0012|     inspection, written objections to the proposed release from
    |
0013|     financial assurance.  If written objections are filed and a
    |
0014|     hearing is requested, the director shall inform all the
    |
0015|     interested parties of the time and place of the hearing at
    |
0016|     least thirty days in advance of the public hearing, and hold a
    |
0017|     public hearing in the locality of the new or existing mining
    |
0018|     operation or exploration operation proposed for release from
    |
0019|     financial assurance.  The date, time and location of the public
    |
0020|     hearing shall be advertised by the director in a newspaper of
    |
0021|     general circulation in the locality for two consecutive weeks,
    |
0022|     and all persons who have submitted a written request in advance
    |
0023|     to the director to receive notices of hearings shall be
    |
0024|     provided notice at least thirty days prior to the hearing;
    |
0025|               S.  establish coordinated procedures that avoid
    |
0001|     duplication for the inspection, monitoring and sampling of air,
    |
0002|     soil and water and enforcement of applicable requirements of
    |
0003|     the New Mexico Mining Act, regulations adopted pursuant to that
    |
0004|     act and permit conditions for new and existing mining
    |
0005|     operations and exploration.  The regulations shall require, at
    |
0006|     a minimum:
    |
0007|                    (1) inspections by the director occurring on an
    |
0008|     irregular basis <s>[averaging not less than one inspection per
</s>    |
<s></s>0009| <s>    month when the mining operation is conducting significant
</s>    |
<s></s>0010| <s>    reclamation activities and one on-site inspection per calendar
</s>    |
<s></s>0011| <s>    quarter at all other times and on a schedule to be established
</s>    |
<s></s>0012| <s>    by the commission for mining operations having a minimal impact
</s>    |
<s></s>0013| <s>    on the environment and exploration operations covered by each
</s>    |
<s></s>0014| <s>    permit]</s> <u>according to the following schedule:</u>
    |
0015|                         <u>(a)  at least one inspection per quarter
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    when the mining operation is conducting significant reclamation
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    activities;
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>                        (b)  at least two inspections per year
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    for active mining operations;
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>                        (c)  at least one inspection per year on
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    inactive sites;
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>                        (d)  at least one inspection per year
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    following completion of all significant reclamation activities,
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    but prior to release of financial assurance; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                        (e)  on a schedule to be established by
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    the commission for mining or exploration operations having a
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    minimal impact on the environment</u>;
    |
0003|                    (2)  inspections shall occur without prior
    |
0004|     notice to the permittee or his agents or employees except for
    |
0005|     necessary on-site meetings with the permittee;
    |
0006|                    (3)  when the director determines that a
    |
0007|     condition or practice exists that violates a requirement of the
    |
0008|     New Mexico Mining Act, a regulation adopted pursuant to that
    |
0009|     act or a permit issued under that act, which condition,
    |
0010|     practice or violation also creates an imminent danger to the
    |
0011|     health or safety of the public or will cause significant
    |
0012|     imminent environmental harm, the director shall immediately
    |
0013|     order a cessation of the new or existing mining operation or
    |
0014|     the exploration operation or the portion of that operation
    |
0015|     relevant to the condition, practice or violation.  The
    |
0016|     cessation order shall remain in effect until the director
    |
0017|     determines that the condition, practice or violation has been
    |
0018|     abated or until modified, vacated or terminated by the director
    |
0019|     or the commission;
    |
0020|                    (4)  when the director determines that an owner
    |
0021|     or operator is in violation of a requirement of the New Mexico
    |
0022|     Mining Act, a regulation adopted pursuant to that act or a
    |
0023|     permit issued pursuant to that act but the violation does not
    |
0024|     create an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public
    |
0025|     or will not cause significant imminent environmental harm, the
    |
0001|     director shall issue a notice to the owner or operator fixing a
    |
0002|     reasonable time, not to exceed sixty days, for the abatement of
    |
0003|     the violation.  If, upon expiration of the period of time as
    |
0004|     originally fixed or subsequently extended for good cause shown,
    |
0005|     the director finds that the violation has not been abated, he
    |
0006|     shall immediately order a cessation of new or existing mining
    |
0007|     operations or exploration operations or the portion thereof
    |
0008|     relevant to the violation.  The cessation order shall remain in
    |
0009|     effect until the director determines that the violation has
    |
0010|     been abated; and
    |
0011|                    (5)  when the director determines that a
    |
0012|     pattern of violations of the requirements of the New Mexico
    |
0013|     Mining Act or of the regulations adopted pursuant to that act
    |
0014|     or the permit required by that act exists or has existed and,
    |
0015|     if the director also finds that such violations are caused by
    |
0016|     the unwarranted failure of the owner or operator to comply with
    |
0017|     the requirements of that act, regulation or permit or that such
    |
0018|     violations are willfully caused by the owner or operator, the
    |
0019|     director shall immediately issue an order to the owner or
    |
0020|     operator to show cause as to why the permit should not be
    |
0021|     suspended or revoked;
    |
0022|               T.  provide for the transfer of a permit to a
    |
0023|     successor operator, providing for release of the first operator
    |
0024|     from obligations under the permit, including financial
    |
0025|     assurance, following the approved assumption of such
    |
0001|     obligations and financial assurance by the successor operator;
    |
0002|               U.  adopt regulations providing that the owner or
    |
0003|     operator of an existing mining operation or a new mining
    |
0004|     operation who has completed some reclamation measures prior to
    |
0005|     the effective date of the regulations adopted pursuant to the
    |
0006|     New Mexico Mining Act may apply for an inspection of those
    |
0007|     reclamation measures and a release from further requirements
    |
0008|     pursuant to that act for the reclaimed areas if, after an
    |
0009|     inspection, the director determines that the reclamation
    |
0010|     measures satisfy the requirements of that act and the
    |
0011|     substantive requirements for reclamation pursuant to the
    |
0012|     applicable regulatory standards; and
    |
0013|               V.  develop and adopt other regulations necessary
    |
0014|     and appropriate to carry out the purposes and provisions of the
    |
0015|     New Mexico Mining Act."
    |
0016|          Section 3.  Section 69-36-14 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1993,
    |
0017|     Chapter 315, Section 14) is amended to read:
    |
0018|          "69-36-14.  CITIZENS SUITS.--
    |
0019|               A.  A person having an interest that is or may be
    |
0020|     adversely affected may commence a civil action on his own
    |
0021|     behalf to compel compliance with the New Mexico Mining Act. 
    |
0022|     Such action may be brought against:
    |
0023|                    (1)  the department of environment, the energy,
    |
0024|     minerals and natural resources department or the commission
    |
0025|     alleging a violation of the New Mexico Mining Act or of a rule,
    |
0001|     regulation, order or permit issued pursuant to that act;
    |
0002|                    (2)  a person who is alleged to be in violation
    |
0003|     of a rule, regulation, order or permit issued pursuant to the
    |
0004|     New Mexico Mining Act; or
    |
0005|                    (3)  the department of environment, the energy,
    |
0006|     minerals and natural resources department or the commission
    |
0007|     alleging a failure to perform any nondiscretionary act or duty
    |
0008|     <s>[under]</s> <u>required by</u> the New Mexico Mining Act; provided,
    |
0009|     however, that no action pursuant to this section shall be
    |
0010|     commenced if the department of environment, the energy,
    |
0011|     minerals and natural resources department or the commission has
    |
0012|     commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil action in a
    |
0013|     court of this state or an administrative enforcement proceeding
    |
0014|     to require compliance with that act.  In an administrative or
    |
0015|     court action commenced by the department of environment, the
    |
0016|     energy, minerals and natural resources department or the
    |
0017|     commission, a person whose interest may be adversely affected
    |
0018|     and who has provided notice pursuant to Subsection B of this
    |
0019|     section prior to the initiation of the action may intervene as
    |
0020|     a matter of right.
    |
0021|               B.  No action shall be commenced pursuant to this
    |
0022|     section prior to sixty days after the plaintiff has given
    |
0023|     written notice to the department of environment, the energy,
    |
0024|     minerals and natural resources department, the commission, the
    |
0025|     attorney general and the alleged violator of the New Mexico
    |
0001|     Mining Act; provided, however, when the violation or order
    |
0002|     complained of constitutes an immediate threat to the health or
    |
0003|     safety of the plaintiff or would immediately and irreversibly
    |
0004|     impair a legal interest of the plaintiff, an action pursuant to
    |
0005|     this section may be brought immediately after notification of
    |
0006|     the proper parties.
    |
0007|               C. <s>[An action brought pursuant to this section
</s>    |
<s></s>0008| <s>    alleging a violation of the New Mexico Mining Act or the
</s>    |
<s></s>0009| <s>    regulations adopted pursuant to that act other than suits
</s>    |
<s></s>0010| <s>    against the department of environment, the energy, minerals and
</s>    |
<s></s>0011| <s>    natural resources department or the commission shall be brought
</s>    |
<s></s>0012| <s>    in the judicial district in which the mining operation
</s>    |
<s></s>0013| <s>    complained of is located.  Suits against the department of
</s>    |
<s></s>0014| <s>    environment, the energy, minerals and natural resources
</s>    |
<s></s>0015| <s>    department or the commission shall be brought in the district
</s>    |
<s></s>0016| <s>    court of Santa Fe]</s> <u>Suits against the department of
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    environment, the energy, minerals and natural resources
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    department or the commission shall be brought in the district
</u>    |

<u></u>0019| <u>    court of Santa Fe county.  Suits only against one or more
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    owners or operators of one or more mining operations shall be
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    brought in the district court where one of the mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    operations is located.  If an action is brought against the
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    department of environment, the energy, minerals and natural
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    resources department or the commission and the owner or
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    operator of a mining operation, such owner or operator may
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    apply for a change of venue to the judicial district in which
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    the mining operation is located.  If not already a party, an
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    owner or operator may intervene, upon a showing that the action
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    relates primarily to a dispute regarding the single mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    operation and apply for such a change of venue.  The district
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    court shall grant a change of venue upon a showing that the
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    action relates primarily to a dispute regarding the subject
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    single mining operation and a showing that a forum non
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    conveniens analysis suggests that the location of the mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    operation is a superior venue</u>.
    |
0011|               D.  In an action brought pursuant to this section,
    |
0012|     the department of environment, the energy, minerals and natural
    |
0013|     resources department or the commission, if not a party, may
    |
0014|     intervene.
    |
0015|               E.  The court, in issuing a final order in an action
    |
0016|     brought pursuant to this section, may award costs of
    |
0017|     litigation, including <s>[attorneys']</s> <u>attorney</u> and expert
    |
0018|     witness fees, to a party whenever the court determines such
    |
0019|     award is appropriate.  The court may, if a temporary injunction
    |
0020|     or preliminary injunction is sought, require the filing of a
    |
0021|     bond or equivalent security in accordance with the rules of
    |
0022|     civil procedure."
    |
0023|                                                         State of New Mexico
    |
0024|                      House of Representatives
    |
0025|   
    |
0001|                      FORTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE
    |
0002|                        FIRST SESSION, 1997
    |
0003|   
    |
0004|   
    |
0005|                                                   March 5, 1997
    |
0006|   
    |
0007|   
    |
0008|   Mr. Speaker:
    |
0009|   
    |
0010|        Your ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE, to
    |
0011|   whom has been referred
    |
0012|   
    |
0013|                       HOUSE BILL 1095
    |
0014|   
    |
0015|   has had it under consideration and reports same with
    |
0016|   recommendation that it DO NOT PASS, but that
    |
0017|   
    |
0018|         HOUSE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
    |
0019|                SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 1095
    |
0020|   
    |
0021|   DO PASS, and thence referred to the CONSUMER AND PUBLIC
    |
0022|   AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. 
    |
0023|   
    |
0024|                                 Respectfully submitted,
    |
0025|   
    |
0001|   
    |
0002|   
    |
0003|                                 <u>                                
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                                </u>                             James Roger Madalena, Chairman
    |
0006|   
    |
0007|   
    |
0008|   Adopted <u>                    </u>     Not Adopted <u>                    
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>   </u>
    |
0010|             (Chief Clerk)                       (Chief Clerk)
    |
0011|   
    |
0012|                        Date <u>            </u>
    |
0013|   
    |
0014|   The roll call vote was<u> 7 </u> For<u> 1 </u> Against
    |
0015|   Yes:      7
    |
0016|             No:       Stewart
    |
0017|             Excused:  Chavez, Garcia, M. P., Getty, Knowles
    |
0018|             Absent:   None
    |
0019|   
    |
0020|   G:\BILLTEXT\BILLW_97\H1095    HOUSE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
    |
0021|                           HOUSE BILL 1095
    |
0022|     43rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 1997
    |
0023|                                   
    |
0024|     
    |
0025|     
    |
0001|                                   
    |
0002|     
    |
0003|                                   
    |
0004|     
    |
0005|                                AN ACT
    |
0006|     RELATING TO MINING; AMENDING SECTIONS OF THE NEW MEXICO MINING
    |
0007|     ACT TO CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE MINING COMMISSION, TO AMEND

    |
0008|     THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED INSPECTIONS, TO ALLOW FOR A CHANGE OF
    |
0009|     VENUE FOR CITIZEN SUITS AND TO INCREASE PUBLIC NOTICE AND
    |
0010|     OPPORTUNITY FOR HEARINGS REGARDING PERMITS.
    |
0011|     
    |
0012|     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
    |
0013|          Section 1.  Section 69-36-6 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1993,
    |
0014|     Chapter 315, Section 6) is amended to read:
    |
0015|          "69-36-6.  MINING COMMISSION--CREATED--MEMBERS.--
    |
0016|               A.  The "mining commission" is created.  The
    |
0017|     commission shall consist of seven voting members, including:
    |
0018|                    (1)  the director of the bureau of mines and
    |
0019|     mineral resources of the New Mexico institute of mining and
    |
0020|     technology or <s>[an academic from a mining-related field to be
</s>    |
<s></s>0021| <s>    appointed for a four-year term by the governor with the advice
</s>    |
<s></s>0022| <s>    and consent of the senate]</s> his designee<u>;
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>                   (2)  the secretary of environment or his
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    designee;
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                   (3)  the state engineer or his designee;
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>                   (4)  the commissioner of public lands or his
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    designee;
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>                   (5)  the director of the department of game and
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    fish or his designee; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                   (6)  two members of the public and an alternate
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    for each, all to be appointed by the governor with the advice
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    and consent of the senate.  The public members shall be chosen
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    to represent and to balance environmental and mining interests
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    while minimizing conflicts of interest.  No more than one of
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    the public members and one of the alternates appointed may
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    belong to the same political party.  When the initial
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    appointments are made, one of the public members and his
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    alternate will be designated to serve for two-year terms, after
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    which all public members shall serve for four years.  An
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    alternate member may vote only in the absence of the public
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    member for whom he is the alternate.
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>              B.  The chairman of the soil and water conservation
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    commission and the director of the agricultural experiment
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    station of New Mexico state university or their designees shall
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    be nonvoting <s>[ex-officio]</s> members <s>[to]</s> </u>of<u> the commission.
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>              C.  The commission shall elect a chairman and other
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    necessary officers and keep records of its proceedings.
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>              D.  The commission shall convene upon the call of
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    the chairman or a majority of its members.
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>              E.  A majority of the voting members of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    commission shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. 
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    However, no action of the commission shall be valid unless
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    concurred upon by at least four of the members present.
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>              F.  No member of the commission, with the exception of
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    one of the public members and his alternate, shall receive, or
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    shall have received during the previous two years, more than ten
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    percent of his income directly or indirectly from permit holders
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    or applicants for permits.  Each member of the commission shall,
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    upon acceptance of his appointment and prior to the performance of
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    any of his duties, file a statement of disclosure with the
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    secretary of state stating:
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>                   (1)  the amount of money or other valuable
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    consideration received, whether provided directly or indirectly,
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    from persons subject to or who appear before the commission;
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>                   (2)  the identity of the source of money or other
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    valuable consideration; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>                   (3)  whether the money or other valuable
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    consideration was in excess of ten percent of his gross personal
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    income in either of the preceding two years.  
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>              G.  No commissioner with any financial interest
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    affected or potentially affected by a permit action may
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    participate in proceedings related to that permit action."
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>         Section 2.  Section 69-36-7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1993,
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    Chapter 315, Section 7) is amended to read:
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>         "69-36-7.  COMMISSION--DUTIES.--The commission shall:
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>              A. <s>[within one year of the effective date of the New
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0002| <u><s>    Mexico Mining Act]</s> </u>before June 18, 1994<u>, adopt and file
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    reasonable regulations consistent with the purposes and intent of
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    the New Mexico Mining Act necessary to implement <s>[that]</s> </u>the
    |
0005|     provisions of the New Mexico Mining<u> Act, including regulations
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    that:
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>                   (1)  consider the economic and environmental
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    effects of their implementation;
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>                   (2)  require permitting of all new and existing
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    mining operations and exploration; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>                   (3)  require annual reporting of production
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    information to the commission, which shall be kept confidential if
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    otherwise required by law;
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>              B.  adopt regulations for new mining operations that
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    allow the director to select a qualified expert who may:
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>                   (1)  review and comment to the director on the
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    adequacy of baseline data gathered prior to submission of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    permit application for use in the permit application process;
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>                   (2)  recommend to the director additional
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    baseline data that may be necessary in the review of the proposed
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    mining activity;
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>                   (3)  recommend to the director methodology
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    guidelines to be followed in the collection of all baseline data;
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    and
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                   (4)  review and comment on the permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    application;
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>              C.  adopt regulations that require and provide for the
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    issuance and renewal of permits for new and existing mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    operations and exploration and that establish schedules to bring
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    existing mining operations into compliance with the requirements
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    of the New Mexico Mining Act; provided the term of a permit for a
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    new mining operation shall not exceed twenty years and the term of
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    renewals of permits for new mining operations shall not exceed ten
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    years;
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>              D.  adopt regulations that provide for permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    modifications.  The commission shall establish criteria to
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    determine which permit modifications may have significant
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    environmental impact.  Modifications that the director determines
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    will have significant environmental impact shall require public
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    notice and an opportunity for public hearing pursuant to
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    Subsection K of this section.  A permit modification to the permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    for an existing mining operation shall be obtained for each new
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    discrete processing, leaching, excavation, storage or stockpile
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    unit located within the permit area of an existing mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    operation and not identified in the permit of an existing mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    operation and for each expansion of such a unit identified in the
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    permit for an existing mining operation that exceeds the design
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    limits specified in the permit.  The regulations shall require
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    that permit modifications for such units be approved if the
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    director determines that the unit will:
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>                   (1)  comply with the regulations regarding permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    modifications;
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>                   (2)  incorporate the requirements of Paragraphs
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    (1), (2), (4), (5) and (6) of Subsection H of this section; and 
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                   (3)  be sited and constructed in a manner that
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    facilitates, to the maximum extent practicable, contemporaneous
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    reclamation consistent with the closeout plan;
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>              E.  adopt regulations that require new and existing
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    mining operations to obtain and maintain permits for standby
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    status.  A permit for standby status shall be issued for a maximum
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    term of five years; provided that upon application the director
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    may renew a permit for standby status for no more than three
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    additional five-year terms.  The regulations shall require that
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    before a permit for standby status is issued or renewed an owner
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    or operator shall:
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>                   (1)  identify the projected term of standby
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    status for each unit of the new or existing mining operation;
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>                   (2)  take measures that reduce, to the extent
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    practicable, the formation of acid and other toxic drainage to
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    prevent releases that cause federal or state environmental
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    standards to be exceeded;
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>                   (3)  meet applicable federal and state
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    environmental standards and regulations during the period of
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    standby status;
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                   (4)  stabilize waste and storage units, leach

</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    piles, impoundments and pits during the term of standby status;
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>                   (5)  comply with applicable requirements of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    New Mexico Mining Act and the regulations adopted pursuant to that
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    act; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                   (6)  provide an analysis of the economic
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    viability of each unit proposed for standby status;
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>              F.  establish by regulation closeout plan requirements
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    for existing mining operations that incorporate site-specific
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    characteristics, including consideration of disturbances from
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    previous mining operations, and that take into account the mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    method utilized;
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>              G.  establish by regulation a procedure for the
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    issuance of a permit for an existing mining operation and for
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    modifications of that permit to incorporate approved closeout
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    plans or portions of closeout plans and financial assurance
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    requirements for performance of the closeout plans.  The permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    shall describe the permit area of the existing mining operation
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    and the design limits of units of the existing mining operation
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    based upon the site assessment submitted by the operator.  The
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    permit shall contain a schedule for completion of a closeout plan. 
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    The permit shall thereafter be modified to incorporate the
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    approved closeout plan or portions of the closeout plan once
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    financial assurance has been provided for completion of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    closeout plan or the approved portions of the closeout plan.  The
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    permit may be modified for new mining units, expansions beyond the
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    design limits of a unit at an existing mining operation or standby
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    status;
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>              H.  establish by regulation permit and reclamation
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    requirements for new mining operations that incorporate site-
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    specific characteristics.  These requirements shall, at a minimum:
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>                   (1)  require that new mining operations be
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    designed and operated using the most appropriate technology and
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    the best management practices;
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>                   (2)  assure protection of human health and
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    safety, the environment, wildlife and domestic animals;
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>                   (3)  include backfilling or partial backfilling
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    only when necessary to achieve reclamation objectives that cannot
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    be accomplished through other mitigation measures;
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>                   (4)  require approval by the director that the
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    permit area will achieve a self-sustaining ecosystem appropriate
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    for the life zone of the surrounding areas following closure
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    unless conflicting with the approved post-mining land use;
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>                   (5)  require that new mining operations be
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    designed in a manner that incorporates measures to reduce, to the
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    extent practicable, the formation of acid and other toxic drainage
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    that may otherwise occur following closure to prevent releases
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    that cause federal or state standards to be exceeded;
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>                   (6)  require that nonpoint source surface
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    releases of acid or other toxic substances shall be contained
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    within the permit area;
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>                   (7)  require that all waste, waste management
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    units, pits, heaps, pads and any other storage piles are designed,
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    sited and constructed in a manner that facilitates, to the maximum
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    extent practicable, contemporaneous reclamation and are consistent
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    with the new mining operation's approved reclamation plan; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>                   (8)  where sufficient topsoil is present, take
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    measures to preserve it from erosion or contamination and assure
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    that it is in a usable condition for sustaining vegetation when
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    needed;
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>              I.  adopt regulations that establish a permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    application process for new mining operations that includes:
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>                   (1)  disclosure of ownership and controlling
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    interests in the new mining operation or submission of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    applicant's most recent form 10K required by the federal
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    securities exchange commission;
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>                   (2)  a statement of all mining operations within
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    the United States owned, operated or directly controlled by the
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    applicant, owner or operator and by persons or entities that
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    directly control the applicant and the names and the addresses of
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the environmental
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    aspects of those operations and that could provide a compliance
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    history for those operations and over the preceding ten years. 
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    The operator shall assist the applicant in obtaining compliance
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    history information;
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                   (3)  a description of the type and method of
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    mining and the engineering techniques proposed;
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>                   (4)  the anticipated starting and termination
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    dates of each phase of the new mining operation and the number of
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    acres of land to be affected;
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                   (5)  the names of all affected watersheds, the
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    location of any perennial, ephemeral or intermittent surface
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    stream or tributary into which surface or pit drainage will be
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    discharged or may possibly be expected to reach and the location
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    of any spring within the permit area and the affected area;
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>                   (6)  a determination of the probable hydrologic
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    consequences of the new mining operation and reclamation, both on
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    and off the permit area, with respect to the hydrologic regime,
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    quantity and quality of surface and ground water systems,
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    including the dissolved and suspended solids under seasonal flow
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    conditions;
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>                   (7)  cross-sections or plans of the permit area
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    depicting:
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>                        (a)  the nature and depth of the various
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    formations of overburden;
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>                        (b)  the location of subsurface water, if
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    encountered, and its quality;
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>                        (c)  the nature and location of any ore body
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    to be mined;
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>                        (d)  the location of aquifers and springs;
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                        (e)  the estimated position and flow of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    water table;
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>                        (f)  the proposed location of waste rock,
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    tailings, stockpiles, heaps, pads and topsoil preservation areas;
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    and
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                        (g)  premining vegetation and wildlife
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    habitat features present at the site;
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>                   (8)  the potential for geochemical alteration of
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    overburden, the ore body and other materials present within the
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    permit area;
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>                   (9)  a reclamation plan that includes a detailed
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    description of the proposed post-mining land use and how that use
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    is to be achieved; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>                   (10)  premining baseline data as required by
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    regulations adopted by the commission;
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>              J.  adopt regulations to coordinate the roles of
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    permitting agencies involved in regulating activities related to
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    new and existing mining operations and exploration, including
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    regulatory requirements, to avoid duplicative and conflicting
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    administration of the permitting process and other requirements; 
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>              K.  except for regulations enacted pursuant to
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    Subsection L of this section, adopt regulations that ensure that
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    the public and permitting agencies receive notice of each
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    application for issuance, renewal or revision of a permit for a
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    new or existing mining operation, for standby status, or
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    exploration, a variance or an application for release of financial
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    assurance and any inspection prior to the release of financial
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    assurance, including a provision that no action shall be taken on
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    any application until an opportunity for a public hearing, held in
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    the locality of the operation, is provided and that all interested
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    persons shall be given a reasonable chance to submit data, views
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    or arguments orally or in writing and to examine witnesses
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    testifying at the hearing. </u>An additional opportunity for a public
    |
0008|     hearing may be provided if the applicant makes substantial changes
    |
0009|     in the proposed action, if there are significant new circumstances
    |
0010|     or information bearing on the proposed action or if the applicant
    |
0011|     proposes to substantially increase the scale or substantially
    |
0012|     change the nature of the proposed action and there is public
    |
0013|     interest and a request for a public hearing.<u>  These regulations
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    shall require at a minimum that the applicant for issuance,
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    renewal or revisions of a permit or a variance or an application
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    for release of financial assurance and any inspection prior to
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    release of financial assurance shall provide to the director </u>at
    |
0018|     the time of filing the application with the director<u> proof that
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    notice of the application </u>and of the procedure for requesting a
    |
0020|     public hearing<u> has been:
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>                   (1)  provided by certified mail to the owners of
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    record, as shown by the most recent property tax schedule, of all
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    properties within one-half mile of the property on which the
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    mining operation is located or is proposed to be located;
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                   (2)  provided by certified mail to all
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    municipalities and counties within a ten-mile radius of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    property on which the mining operation is or will be located;
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>                   (3)  published once in a newspaper of general
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    circulation in each county in which the property on which the
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    mining operation is or will be located; provided that this notice
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    shall appear in either the classified or legal advertisements
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    section of the newspaper and at one other place in the newspaper
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    calculated to give the general public the most effective notice
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    and, when appropriate, shall be printed in both English and
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    Spanish;
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>                   (4)  posted in at least four publicly accessible
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    and conspicuous places, including the entrance to the new or
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    existing mining operation if that entrance is publicly accessible
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    and conspicuous; <s>[and]</s>
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>                   (5)  mailed to all persons who have made a
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    written request to the director for notice </u>of this application;
    |
0017|     and<u>
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>                   </u>(6)  mailed by certified mail to all persons on
    |
0019|     a list maintained by the director of individuals and organizations
    |
0020|     who have requested notice of applications under this act.  If the
    |
0021|     application is determined to be administratively complete by the
    |
0022|     director, the applicant shall provide to the director timely proof
    |
0023|     that notice of that determination has been provided by first class
    |
0024|     mail to everyone who has indicated to the applicant in writing
    |
0025|     that they desire information regarding the application and to a
    |
0001|     list maintained by the director of individuals and organizations
    |
0002|     who have requested notice of applications under this act<u>;
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>              L.  adopt regulations to provide for permits, without
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    notice and hearing, to address mining operations that have minimal
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    impact on the environment; provided that such permits shall
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    require general plans and shall otherwise reduce the permitting
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    requirements of the New Mexico Mining Act;
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>              M.  establish by regulation a schedule of annual
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    administrative and permit fees, which shall equal and not exceed
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    the estimated costs of administration, implementation,
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    enforcement, investigation and permitting pursuant to the
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    provisions of the New Mexico Mining Act.  The size of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    operation, anticipated inspection frequency and other factors
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    deemed relevant by the commission shall be considered in the
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    determination of the fees.  The fees established pursuant to this
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    subsection shall be deposited in the mining act fund;
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>              N.  establish by regulation a continuing process of
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    review of mining and reclamation practices in New Mexico that
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    provides for periodic review and amendment of regulations and
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    procedures to provide for the protection of the environment and
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    consider the economic effects of the regulations;
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>              O.  adopt regulations governing the provision of
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    variances issued by the director, stating the procedures for
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    seeking a variance, including provisions for public notice and an
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    opportunity for a hearing in the locality where the variance will
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    be operative, the limitations on provision of variances, requiring
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    the petitioner to present sufficient evidence to prove that
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    failure to grant a variance will impose an undue economic burden
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    and that granting the variance will not result in a significant
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    threat to human health, safety or the environment;
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>              P.  provide by regulation that, prior to the issuance
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    of any permit for a new mining operation pursuant to the
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    provisions of the New Mexico Mining Act, the permit applicant or
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    operator:
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>                   (1)  shall provide evidence to the director that
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    other applicable state and federal permits required to be obtained
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    by the new or existing mining operation either have been or will
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    be issued before the activities subject to those permits begin;
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    and
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>                   (2)  shall provide to the director a written
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    determination from the secretary of environment stating that the
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    permit applicant has demonstrated that the activities to be
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    permitted or authorized will be expected to achieve compliance
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    with all applicable air, water quality and other environmental
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    standards if carried out as described;
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>              Q.  require by regulation that the applicant file with
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    the director, prior to the issuance of a permit, financial
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    assurance.  The amount of the financial assurance shall be
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    sufficient to assure the completion of the performance
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    requirements of the permit, including closure and reclamation, if
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    the work had to be performed by the director or a third party
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    contractor and shall include periodic review to account for any
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    inflationary increases and anticipated changes in reclamation or
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    closure costs.  The regulations shall specify that financial
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    requirements shall neither duplicate nor be less comprehensive
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    than the federal financial requirements.  The form and amount of
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    the financial assurance shall be subject to the approval of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    director as part of the permit application; provided, financial
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    assurance does not include any type or variety of self-guarantee
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    or self-insurance;
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>              R.  require by regulation that the permittee may file
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    an application with the director for the release of all or part of
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    the permittee's financial assurance.  The permittee shall not file
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    an application for release of financial assurance more than once
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    per year for each mining operation.  The application shall
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    describe the reclamation measures completed and shall contain an
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    estimate of the costs of reclamation measures that have not been
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    completed.  Prior to release of any portion of the permittee's
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    financial assurance, the director shall conduct an inspection and
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    evaluation of the reclamation work involved.  The director shall
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    notify persons who have requested advance notice of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    inspection.  Interested members of the public shall be allowed to
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    be present at the inspection of the reclamation work by the
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    director.
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                   (1)  The director may release in whole or in part
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    the financial assurance if the reclamation covered by the
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    financial assurance has been accomplished as required by the New
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    Mexico Mining Act; provided that the director shall retain
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    financial assurance at least equal to the approved estimated costs
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    of completing reclamation measures that have not been completed;
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    and provided further that for revegetated areas, the director
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    shall retain the amount of financial assurance necessary for a
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    third party to reestablish vegetation for a period of twelve years
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    after the last year of augmented seeding, fertilizing, irrigation
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    or other work, unless a post-mining land use is achieved that is
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    inconsistent with the further need for revegetation.  For new
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    mining operations only, no part of the financial assurance
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    necessary for a third party to reestablish vegetation shall be
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    released so long as the lands to which the release would be
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    applicable are contributing suspended solids above background
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    levels to streamflow of intermittent and perennial streams.
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>                   (2)  A person with an interest that is or will be
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    adversely affected by release of the financial assurance may file,
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    with the director within thirty days of the date of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    inspection, written objections to the proposed release from
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    financial assurance.  If written objections are filed and a
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    hearing is requested, the director shall inform all the interested
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    parties of the time and place of the hearing at least thirty days
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    in advance of the public hearing, and hold a public hearing in the
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    locality of the new or existing mining operation or exploration
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>    operation proposed for release from financial assurance.  The
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    date, time and location of the public hearing shall be advertised
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    by the director in a newspaper of general circulation in the
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    locality for two consecutive weeks, and all persons who have
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    submitted a written request in advance to the director to receive
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    notices of hearings shall be provided notice at least thirty days
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    prior to the hearing;
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>              S.  establish coordinated procedures that avoid
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    duplication for the inspection, monitoring and sampling of air,
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    soil and water and enforcement of applicable requirements of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    New Mexico Mining Act, regulations adopted pursuant to that act
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    and permit conditions for new and existing mining operations and
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    exploration.  The regulations shall require, at a minimum:
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>                   (1) inspections by the director occurring on an
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    irregular basis <s>[averaging not less than one inspection per month
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0016| <u><s>    when the mining operation is conducting significant reclamation
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0017| <u><s>    activities and one on-site inspection per calendar quarter at all
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0018| <u><s>    other times and on a schedule to be established by the commission
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0019| <u><s>    for mining operations having a minimal impact on the environment
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0020| <u><s>    and exploration operations covered by each permit]</s> </u>according to
    |
0021|     the following schedule:
    |
0022|                         (a)  at least one inspection per month when
    |
0023|     the mining operation is conducting significant reclamation
    |
0024|     activities;
    |
0025|                         (b)  at least two inspections per year for
    |
0001|     active mining operations;
    |
0002|                         (c)  at least one inspection per year on
    |
0003|     inactive sites;
    |
0004|                         (d)  at least one inspection per year
    |
0005|     following completion of all significant reclamation activities,
    |
0006|     but prior to release of financial assurance; and
    |
0007|                         (e)  mining operations having a minimal
    |
0008|     impact on the environment and exploration operations will be
    |
0009|     inspected on a schedule to be established by the commission<u>;
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>                   (2)  inspections shall occur without prior notice
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    to the permittee or his agents or employees except for necessary
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    on-site meetings with the permittee;
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>                   (3)  when the director determines that a
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    condition or practice exists that violates a requirement of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    New Mexico Mining Act, a regulation adopted pursuant to that act
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    or a permit issued under that act, which condition, practice or
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    violation also creates an imminent danger to the health or safety
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    of the public or will cause significant imminent environmental
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    harm, the director shall immediately order a cessation of the new
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    or existing mining operation or the exploration operation or the
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    portion of that operation relevant to the condition, practice or
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    violation.  The cessation order shall remain in effect until the
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    director determines that the condition, practice or violation has
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    been abated or until modified, vacated or terminated by the
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    director or the commission;
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>                   (4)  when the director determines that an owner
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    or operator is in violation of a requirement of the New Mexico
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    Mining Act, a regulation adopted pursuant to that act or a permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    issued pursuant to that act but the violation does not create an
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    imminent danger to the health or safety of the public or will not
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    cause significant imminent environmental harm, the director shall
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    issue a notice to the owner or operator fixing a reasonable time,
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    not to exceed sixty days, for the abatement of the violation.  If,
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    upon expiration of the period of time as originally fixed or
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    subsequently extended for good cause shown, the director finds
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    that the violation has not been abated, he shall immediately order
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    a cessation of new or existing mining operations or exploration
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    operations or the portion thereof relevant to the violation.  The
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    cessation order shall remain in effect until the director
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    determines that the violation has been abated; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>                   (5)  when the director determines that a pattern
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    of violations of the requirements of the New Mexico Mining Act or
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    of the regulations adopted pursuant to that act or the permit
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    required by that act exists or has existed and, if the director
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    also finds that such violations are caused by the unwarranted
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    failure of the owner or operator to comply with the requirements
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    of that act, regulation or permit or that such violations are
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    willfully caused by the owner or operator, the director shall
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    immediately issue an order to the owner or operator to show cause
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    as to why the permit should not be suspended or revoked;
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>              T.  provide for the transfer of a permit to a successor
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    operator, providing for release of the first operator from
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    obligations under the permit, including financial assurance,
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    following the approved assumption of such obligations and
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    financial assurance by the successor operator;
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>              U.  adopt regulations providing that the owner or
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    operator of an existing mining operation or a new mining operation
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>    who has completed some reclamation measures prior to the effective
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    date of the regulations adopted pursuant to the New Mexico Mining
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    Act may apply for an inspection of those reclamation measures and
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    a release from further requirements pursuant to that act for the
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    reclaimed areas if, after an inspection, the director determines
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    that the reclamation measures satisfy the requirements of that act
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    and the substantive requirements for reclamation pursuant to the
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    applicable regulatory standards; and
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>              V.  develop and adopt other regulations necessary and
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    appropriate to carry out the purposes and provisions of the New
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    Mexico Mining Act."
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>         Section 3.  Section 69-36-14 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1993,
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    Chapter 315, Section 14) is amended to read:
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>         "69-36-14.  CITIZENS SUITS.--
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>              A.  A person having an interest that is or may be
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>    adversely affected may commence a civil action on his own behalf
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    to compel compliance with the New Mexico Mining Act.  Such action
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    may be brought against:
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>                   (1)  the department of environment, the energy,
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    minerals and natural resources department or the commission
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    alleging a violation of the New Mexico Mining Act or of a rule,
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    regulation, order or permit issued pursuant to that act;
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                   (2)  a person who is alleged to be in violation
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    of a rule, regulation, order or permit issued pursuant to the New
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    Mexico Mining Act; or
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>                   (3)  the department of environment, the energy,
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>    minerals and natural resources department or the commission
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>    alleging a failure to perform any nondiscretionary act or duty
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>    <s>[under]</s> </u>required by<u> the New Mexico Mining Act; provided,
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    however, that no action pursuant to this section shall be
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    commenced if the department of environment, the energy, minerals
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    and natural resources department or the commission has commenced
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>    and is diligently prosecuting a civil action in a court of this
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    state or an administrative enforcement proceeding to require
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    compliance with that act.  In an administrative or court action
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    commenced by the department of environment, the energy, minerals
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    and natural resources department or the commission, a person whose
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    interest may be adversely affected and who has provided notice
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    pursuant to Subsection B of this section prior to the initiation
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>    of the action may intervene as a matter of right.
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>              B.  No action shall be commenced pursuant to this
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>    section prior to sixty days after the plaintiff has given written
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>    notice to the department of environment, the energy, minerals and
</u>    |

<u></u>0001| <u>    natural resources department, the commission, the attorney general
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>    and the alleged violator of the New Mexico Mining Act; provided,
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>    however, when the violation or order complained of constitutes an
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>    immediate threat to the health or safety of the plaintiff or would
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>    immediately and irreversibly impair a legal interest of the
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>    plaintiff, an action pursuant to this section may be brought
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>    immediately after notification of the proper parties.
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>              <s>[C.  An action brought pursuant to this section
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0009| <u><s>    alleging a violation of the New Mexico Mining Act or the
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0010| <u><s>    regulations adopted pursuant to that act other than suits against
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0011| <u><s>    the department of environment, the energy, minerals and natural
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0012| <u><s>    resources department or the commission shall be brought in the
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0013| <u><s>    judicial district in which the mining operation complained of is
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0014| <u><s>    located.  Suits against the department of environment, the energy,
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0015| <u><s>    minerals and natural resources department or the commission shall
</u></s>    |
<u><s></u></s>0016| <u><s>    be brought in the district court of Santa Fe.]</s> </u>
    |
0017|               C.  Except as otherwise provided herein, suits against
    |
0018|     the department of environment, the energy, minerals and natural
    |
0019|     resources department or the commission shall be brought in the
    |
0020|     district court of Santa Fe county.  Suits only against one or more
    |
0021|     owners or operators of one or more mining operations shall be
    |
0022|     brought in the district court where one of the mining operations
    |
0023|     is located.  If an action is brought against the department of
    |
0024|     environment, the energy, minerals and natural resources department
    |
0025|     or the commission and the owner or operator of a mining operation,
    |
0001|     such owner or operator may apply for a change of venue to the
    |
0002|     judicial district in which the mining operation is located.  If
    |
0003|     not already a party, an owner or operator may intervene, upon a
    |
0004|     showing that the action relates primarily to a dispute regarding
    |
0005|     the single mining operation and apply for such a change of venue. 
    |
0006|     The district court shall grant a change of venue upon a showing
    |
0007|     that the action relates primarily to a dispute regarding the
    |
0008|     subject single mining operation and a showing that a forum non
    |
0009|     conveniens analysis suggests that the location of the mining
    |
0010|     operation is a superior venue<u>.
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>              D.  In an action brought pursuant to this section, the
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>    department of environment, the energy, minerals and natural
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>    resources department or the commission, if not a party, may
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>    intervene.
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>              E.  The court, in issuing a final order in an action
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>    brought pursuant to this section, may award costs of litigation,
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>    including <s>[attorneys']</s> </u>attorney<u> and expert witness fees, to a
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>    party whenever the court determines such award is appropriate. 
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>    The court may, if a temporary injunction or preliminary injunction
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>    is sought, require the filing of a bond or equivalent security in
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>    accordance with the rules of civil procedure."
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>                                  
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>      
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>                      FORTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>                        FIRST SESSION, 1997
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>                                                   March 17, 1997
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>  Mr. President:
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>      Your CONSERVATION COMMITTEE, to whom has been referred
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>           HOUSE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE 
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>  SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 1095
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>  has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>  that it DO PASS.
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>                               Respectfully submitted,
</u>    |
<u></u>0017| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0018| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0019| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0020| <u>                               __________________________________
</u>    |
<u></u>0021| <u>                               Michael S. Sanchez, Chairman 
</u>    |
<u></u>0022| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0023| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0024| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0025| <u>  Adopted_______________________   Not Adopted_______________________
</u>    |
<u></u>0001| <u>            (Chief Clerk)                          (Chief Clerk)
</u>    |
<u></u>0002| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0003| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0004| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0005| <u>                    Date ________________________
</u>    |
<u></u>0006| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0007| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0008| <u>  The roll call vote was </u> 6 <u> For </u> 0 <u> Against
</u>    |
<u></u>0009| <u>          Yes:    6
</u>    |
<u></u>0010| <u>          No:     None
</u>    |
<u></u>0011| <u>               Excused:     Eisenstadt, Griego, Kysar, Macias
</u>    |
<u></u>0012| <u>          Absent: None
</u>    |
<u></u>0013| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0014| <u>  
</u>    |
<u></u>0015| <u>  H1095C01
</u>    |
<u></u>0016| <u>  
</u>    |
<u>