# Plain Language Summary: Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2024

This bill creates a new office within the Environmental Protection Agency specifically focused on cleaning up abandoned mines across the country. The new "Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains" will coordinate cleanup efforts at old mining sites where mineral extraction has stopped, including uranium mines on Native American lands. Think of it as establishing a dedicated team whose job is to tackle the environmental mess left behind by decades of mining operations.

The office will work to speed up and improve how the EPA handles mine cleanups by identifying which abandoned mines need attention most urgently, sharing successful cleanup techniques between different regions, and helping coordinate efforts among federal agencies, states, tribes, and private companies. It will also help smaller businesses get involved in cleanup work and provide technical support to communities dealing with contaminated sites. The bill specifically calls for creating an annual priority list of mines needing cleanup and requires the EPA to report to Congress on progress.

One major focus is uranium contamination on Navajo Nation lands, which has been a serious public health issue for decades. The bill requires federal agencies to develop a comprehensive 10-year plan by 2027 to coordinate cleanup efforts at abandoned uranium mines on Navajo land, including setting goals, timelines, and budget estimates. This plan must involve the Navajo Nation government and other affected tribes in the decision-making process.

Importantly, this bill doesn't give the EPA any new legal powers—it simply reorganizes how the agency uses its existing authority to focus more attention and resources on abandoned mine cleanup. It's designed to make the process more efficient and ensure that communities, especially tribal nations, have a voice in how their contaminated lands are restored.