The bill, approved by a voice vote, would establish a new foundation to assist federal land-management agencies, state agencies and nonprofits to raise funds for cleanups of abandoned mine.

Terry Braun—practice leader for the Denver office of SRK Consulting, which has a mining division—says more funds for mine cleanups might present more opportunities for smaller engineering firms and contractors. “Most of these projects are well suited to the local contractor and engineer who can mobilize to these sites, conduct the necessary assessment and implement a remedy,” he says.

A companion draft has been circulated, but not yet introduced, in the Senate, and some policy observers are skeptical that the bills could reach the president’s desk in this condensed legislative year. Aaron Mintzes, policy advocate for Earthworks, says, “I’d be quite surprised if something passed this year, mainly because of the calendar.” Although Earthworks supports the cleanup of abandoned mines, the environmental group would prefer a polluter-pays fee, as opposed to requiring taxpayers to foot the bill, he adds.