What does Preamble of Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025 do?

This bill aims to authorize compensation for entities affected by the 2015 Gold King Mine wastewater spill. The bill's purpose is to provide compensation to individuals, organizations, and companies impacted by the spill. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Budget.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025 do?

This Act is formally titled the Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Administrator” refers to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. “BPMD contamination” refers to releases of hazardous substances from the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund Site on or before the Act's enactment. A “covered claim” is a written request for monetary compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act, submitted to the Administrator by August 5, 2017. “Covered damages” include injury, lost business income (excluding vacation rentals), relocation expenses, and diminished agricultural crops, all resulting from the Gold King Mine spill and not already compensated. “Gold King Mine spill” refers to the August 5, 2015 release of over 3 million gallons of acid mine drainage from the Gold King Mine. An “injured person” is a homeowner, livestock grazer, farmer, or business who suffered covered damages, hasn't settled with the U.S. for over $2,500, and whose claim was denied or insufficiently compensated by the Administrator. “Injury” is defined as the meaning of “injury or loss of property, or personal injury or death” as used in 28 U.S.C. 1346(b)(1).

What does COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF GOLD KING MINE SPILL. of Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a process for compensating injured persons for damages resulting from the Gold King Mine spill. The Administrator will investigate and settle covered claims, applying Colorado state law to calculate damages. Payments are limited to actual compensatory damages and the originally claimed amount, excluding interest and punitive damages. The Administrator must determine the amount to be paid within 180 days of the Act's enactment. Acceptance of a payment constitutes a complete release of all claims against the United States, including under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Injured persons can elect to seek compensation through a covered claim, a Federal Tort Claims Act claim, or another civil action, with the election being final and conclusive. Claimants aggrieved by the Administrator's decision may seek judicial review in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The Administrator must submit a report to Congress detailing the amounts claimed, the nature of the claims, and their disposition.

What does APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS. of Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025 do?

This section appropriates funds to the Administrator. Up to $3,300,000 is appropriated for the payment of claims in accordance with the Act. These funds are available until expended. Congress designates the entire amount as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

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Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025

Last updated: 2/13/2025 · Introduced: 2/13/2025

Author: Jeff Hurd (R-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a process for compensating individuals, organizations, and companies affected by the 2015 Gold King Mine wastewater spill for damages such as injury, lost business income, and relocation expenses.
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency will investigate and settle covered claims, applying Colorado state law to calculate damages, with payments limited to actual compensatory damages.
Up to $3,300,000 is appropriated for the payment of claims in accordance with the Act, with these funds available until expended and designated as an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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