California Assembly Bill AB982

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 3/24/25
• Report Pass: 3/24/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Report Pass: 4/7/25
• Refer: 4/8/25
• Report Pass: 4/22/25
• Refer: 4/22/25
• Refer: 5/7/25
• Report Pass: 5/23/25
• Engrossed: 6/2/25
• Refer: 6/3/25
• Refer: 6/11/25
• Report Pass: 7/17/25
• Refer: 7/17/25
• Refer: 8/18/25
• Report Pass: 8/29/25

Caption

An act to amend Sections 2770 and 2774 of, and to add Sections 2727.01 and 2733.1 to, the Public Resources Code, relating to surface mining.

Impact

The bill addresses existing legal structures that regulate surface mining by permitting the Division of Mine Reclamation to oversee such idle operations more effectively. If passed, AB 982 would ensure that surface mining operations must comply with stricter oversight and renewals of their management plans, thus promoting timely reclamation efforts. This could lead to a reduction in the waste of construction resources while ensuring that mines are maintained according to regulatory standards, but it also places additional regulatory responsibilities on both operators and state agencies.

Summary

Assembly Bill 982, introduced by Assembly Member Carrillo, seeks to amend the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 by introducing provisions for idle reserve mine status. This legislation aims to address the management of construction aggregate materials by allowing surface mining operations that are currently idle to apply for 'Idle Reserve Mine Status.' Under certain conditions, if granted, this status would enable a mining operation to extend their interim management plans for a maximum additional period of 10 years beyond the existing limits, facilitating better resource management and minimizing waste.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 982 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters aiming to balance resource extraction with environmental responsibilities. Advocates suggest that allowing idle mines to retain usable status will prevent unnecessary reclamation delays and resource wastage. However, there may be concerns among some stakeholders about the potential for misuse of the idle reserve status, possibly leading to lax compliance with required reclamation efforts. Critics might argue that without stringent checks, the bill could delay environmental restoration efforts.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the regulation framework surrounding the 'Idle Reserve Mine Status'. Critics may raise concerns that the provisions allowing extended management plan renewals could lead to indefinite idleness of some mining operations, undermining the original intent of the reclamation act, which is to restore mining areas promptly. The dialogue on how effectively the Bill will maintain a balance between resource extraction and environmental accountability continues to develop as legislative discussions progress.