Mine Cleanup Heroes Needed: EPA Sets Rules for Good Samaritan Permits
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA just released clear rules for folks wanting to clean up old, abandoned hardrock mines under the new Good Samaritan Remediation Act of 2024. If you want one of the 15 special permits, you’ll need to prove you have the money or backup to finish the job—no taxpayer dollars will be used if things go sideways. This guidance kicks in on March 5, 2026, so get ready to show your financial game plan!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Only 15 Good Samaritan Permits
The Act creates a pilot program allowing the EPA Administrator to issue up to 15 Good Samaritan permits for low-risk projects to clean up abandoned hardrock mine sites. If you plan to apply, know that only 15 permits are authorized under this pilot.
Must Prove Money or Financial Backup
To get a Good Samaritan permit, an applicant must demonstrate to the Administrator that they have the financial resources to complete the remediation project or have established a third-party financial assurance mechanism. You will need to show this financial plan as a condition for permit approval.
No Taxpayer Funds for Incomplete Projects
If a Good Samaritan permittee does not finish required work, financial assurance funds held under a third-party mechanism are intended to pay to complete the permitted remediation without using taxpayer dollars. The guidance says these funds are intended to provide funding to complete the permitted work and carry out the Act without using taxpayer funds.
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