Support builds in Congress, Nevada for mining reform

After years of negotiations between environmentalists and mining interests, the controversial effort to reform the more than century-old law that regulates mining in the United States may finally come to fruition in Congress in 2010. Aides to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid say the Nevada Democrat remains committed to ensuring any changes in the 1872 Mining Law is balanced and protects mining jobs in rural communities. Observers say Reid has indicated he could end up offering his own version of a reform proposal. Meanwhile, New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman is spearheading the broadest plan through the Energy and Natural Resources Committee he chairs. Cathy Carlson of the group Earthworks says Bingaman told conservationists who met with him in recent weeks that he hopes to move the bill out of committee in April. AP