Colorado senators introduce bill on Gold King Mine spill compensation

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Colorado’s two U.S. senators are behind a new bill to help communities affected by the Gold King Mine spill including those in New Mexico. Back in 2015, the mine in southwest Colorado released millions of gallons of acidic drainage and toxic metals into the Animas and San Juan Rivers which turned them dark orange.

Colorado Democrats Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did provide some compensation but existing laws limited how much it could help businesses, farmers, and homeowners. The senators said their bill would give the EPA the authority and the funds to settle some outstanding claims.

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