207 



oyinting Plan "isn't broken, why fix it"? 



Thp anmr> philosophy works for the Mining Law of 1872. The 

 many changes and revisions of that law have addressed 

 environmental concerns, reclamation and land use issues; what is 

 missing can be supplied by bills proposed by Senator Craig and 

 Representatives Orton and Vucanovlch, S. 775 and H.R. 1708, 

 respectively. These bills would provide additional revenue to 

 the government through the 2% net profits tax, add substantially 

 to existing Abandoned Mined Land Reclamation Programs, and 

 further promote environmentally responsible mining and mining job 

 creation . 



The Bumpers/Rahall bills would guarantee that 47,000 jobs 

 would be lost due to the closing or downscaling of mines on 

 public lands. The Craig etal bills would guarantee that the US 

 mining industry could maintain a competitive stance in the world 

 marketplace and maintain the majority of the above mentioned 

 jobs . 



Please, Senator Pressler, remind Congress that we Westerners 

 have few options for employment. Generally, and by necessity, we 

 are natural resource oriented; we make our living from the land 

 and we live here because we love the land. Plus, the revenue 

 generated helps offset the escalating tax burden for all of us. 

 Access to Public Lands is crucial to us and the health of our 

 industries. Help us maintain that access. 



Again, thank you for your attention to these concerns. 



Sincerely, 



.F^n Miller 

 P.O. Box 89 3 

 Lead, SD 57754 



