Bills · HR 1315
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1315Judicial review and appealsPollution liability
Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 13· LAST ACTION FEB 13
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it addresses a significant environmental incident and the federal government's role in compensating those affected. For years, many individuals and businesses in the spill's path have sought financial relief for their losses, often facing hurdles with existing claims processes. The Gold King Mine spill, caused by EPA contractors, highlighted questions of government accountability for environmental damage.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a clear and defined pathway for compensation, potentially offering closure and financial stability to families and businesses still recovering nearly a decade later. If it doesn't pass, many affected parties may continue to bear the financial burden of the disaster with limited options for redress, perpetuating economic hardship in the affected communities. This bill represents a direct governmental response to a past incident, affecting how citizens view federal responsibility.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Authorizes the EPA Administrator to investigate, determine, grant, deny, or settle 'covered claims' for 'covered damages' asserted by 'injured persons' resulting from the Gold King Mine spill.
This establishes a formal federal process for resolving long-standing compensation claims related to the spill, providing a clear path for relief.
PROVISION 02
Defines specific 'covered damages' eligible for compensation, including injury, lost business income, livestock relocation/water supply expenses, and diminished crop yield, within specific timeframes, while explicitly excluding response costs and emotional distress.
This clearly outlines the scope of eligible losses, setting expectations for claimants and limiting the types of damages that will be compensated.
PROVISION 03
Requires the EPA Administrator to make a determination on the amount to be paid for a covered claim within 180 days after the date the bill becomes law.
This provision sets a specific timeline for claim resolution, aiming to provide a relatively swift conclusion for affected parties.
PROVISION 04
States that the acceptance of any payment under this Act by a claimant will be final and conclusive, serving as a complete release of all related claims against the United States.
This ensures legal finality for the government, preventing future litigation over the same damages once compensation is accepted.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Colorado
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
27
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 13
Introduced in House
FEB 13
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1315
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
Last actionFeb 13, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025
House BillHR 1315Judicial review and appealsPollution liability
Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 13, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
