Unchecked Mining = Dirty Water, Polluted Air, and Lost Rights. Say NO Now!

I am in strong opposition to HB 106 (Vernetti), a bill that threatens to undermine the health, safety, and environmental well-being of Missourians. This legislation seeks to make it easier for mining operations to proceed without proper oversight, further eroding the already limited protections in place for our communities, natural resources, and environment. Missouri’s current statutes already have some of the most lax permitting requirements for mining operations in the nation. Despite this, HB 106 seeks to remove even the minimal conditions that allow mining without a permit. Specifically, the bill eliminates the requirement that a site not be designated as a surface mine by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. It also allows for the processing of minerals through crushing, screening, or other means of beneficiation without requiring a permit. These changes are not minor technical adjustments—they are sweeping deregulations that will open the door to unchecked mining activities. By removing these conditions, HB 106 effectively greenlights permit-free mining on a scale that Missourians have never seen before. This is a dangerous precedent. Mining operations, even those that seem small or localized, can have significant environmental and public health consequences. Without proper oversight, there is no guarantee that these operations will not contaminate our air, pollute our water, or damage private property. Missourians do not want rampant, unregulated mining. They want responsible policies that protect their health, their land, and their communities. The potential for harm is particularly concerning when it comes to water quality. Mining activities can release harmful chemicals and sediments into nearby streams, rivers, and groundwater, threatening both ecosystems and drinking water supplies. Missouri is home to some of the most pristine waterways in the country, and we cannot afford to put them at risk. Similarly, the removal of oversight for crushing and screening minerals could lead to increased dust and particulate matter in the air, exacerbating respiratory issues and other health problems for nearby residents. In addition, HB 106 undermines the principle of accountability. Permitting processes exist for a reason: to ensure that mining operations are conducted responsibly and with consideration for their impact on the environment and surrounding communities. By removing even the limited conditions that allow permit-free mining, this bill sends a message that Missouri is open for business at any cost—even if that cost is paid by the health and well-being of its citizens. HB 106 is a step in the wrong direction for Missouri. It prioritizes the interests of a few over the needs of the many, sacrificing our health, property, and natural resources in the process. I urge you to stand with the people of Missouri and vote "no" on HB 106.