Sometimes we forget that mining continues to be a significant part of the United States economy. With several thousand mines operating nationwide, the U.S. is able to produce precious metals like gold and silver, as well as zinc, copper and iron needed to manufacture electric vehicles and solar panels. All of these mines provide good-paying, middle-class jobs for more than 130,000 workers across the country.

Unfortunately, a number of mining operations could face a real threat, thanks to an unnecessary new proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency that seeks to duplicate existing financial assurance requirements for mine reclamation.