Udall announces legislation in wake of mine-waste spill

The federal government would be required to identify the most dangerous abandoned mines in the West and make plans to clean them up under legislation introduced Tuesday in response to the spill of millions of gallons of toxic wastewater from a Colorado mine. U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, outlined the proposal during a conference call with reporters. He said the main focus would be compensating communities affected by the spill, but another goal is to prevent future environmental disasters.  As for compensation, the legislation outlines allowable damages and establishes a claims office within the EPA. Udall's office says property, business and financial losses would be considered for compensation. There's no appropriation attached to the legislation. Rather, any claims would be paid out of a permanent federal fund that covers court judgments or settlements...more

Many of those abandoned mines in NM are in areas where Udall has supported either legislative or administrative designations that prohibit new roads and mechanized vehicles or mechanical equipment.  How does he propose we clean up those abandoned mines?