§1901. Congressional findings and declaration of policy

The Congress finds and declares that-

(a) the level of technology of mineral exploration and development has changed radically in recent years and continued application of the mining laws of the United States to those areas of the National Park System to which it applies, conflicts with the purposes for which they were established; and

(b) all mining operations in areas of the National Park System should be conducted so as to prevent or minimize damage to the environment and other resource values, and, in certain areas of the National Park System, surface disturbance from mineral development should be temporarily halted while Congress determines whether or not to acquire any valid mineral rights which may exist in such areas.

( Pub. L. 94–429, §1, Sept. 28, 1976, 90 Stat. 1342 .)

Short Title

Pub. L. 94–429, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 123 and 450y–2 of this title, and repealed sections 350, 350a, 447, and 450z of this title, is popularly known as the "Mining in the Parks Act".

Cross References

Coal land, entry of unappropriated or unreserved Federal coal lands, see section 71 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining.

Exploration program for the discovery of minerals, financial assistance, see section 641 of Title 30.

Leases and Prospecting Permits-

Lands subject to disposition, see section 181 of Title 30.

Oil and gas lands, see section 226 of Title 30.

Oil shale lands, see section 241 of Title 30.

Phosphate lands, see section 211 of Title 30.

Potash lands, see section 281 of Title 30.

Sodium lands, see section 261 of Title 30.

Sulphur lands, see section 271 of Title 30.

Mineral Lands and Regulations-

Lands open to purchase by citizens, see section 22 of Title 30.

Locators' rights of possession and enjoyment, see section 26 of Title 30.

Mineral lands reserved, see section 21 of Title 30.