DeFazio voted against the fee program. In addition, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has instituted a parking fee at popular beaches along the central Oregon coast. DeFazio's bill would replace that money with a 5 percent royalty on the value of gold and other minerals mined on federal lands. DeFazio's bill would use the money for improvements to National Parks and other public recreation sites. Under the 1872 Mining Act, the federal government currently charges no royalty to firms and individuals mining on federal lands.
States charge royalties.
And you better believe that private landowners charge royalties. But Uncle Sugar gives it away for free. It's time for this rip-off to stop. I'm calling on Congress to give the taxpayer a break and make these foreign corporations pay their fair share. DeFazio's bill was cosponsored by Reps. Furse, Hooley, Markey, Stark, Maloney, Frank, and Luther.