This measure would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

This measure would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

This measure would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

WHEREAS, For 50 years, the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) has served as Californias framework for balancing the extraction of essential minerals with the protection of the environment, public health, and local communities, ensuring that mined lands are reclaimed and returned to beneficial use; and

WHEREAS, Authored by Senator John A. Nejedly, a Republican from Contra Costa County, and signed into law by Governor Edmund G. Jerry Brown, Jr., SMARA reflected a spirit of bipartisan stewardship that has continued through subsequent updates and modernizations, ensuring the act remains effective in meeting Californias environmental and economic needs; and

WHEREAS, SMARA recognizes that mineral resources are fundamental to strong communities, providing the raw materials for clean water, housing, transportation, and technology, while ensuring they are developed responsibly for the benefit of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Since its adoption, SMARA has guided the responsible operation and reclamation of hundreds of mining sites throughout California, resulting in the restoration of lands for future community use, including open space, wildlife habitat, public parks, housing, and commercial uses, among others; and

WHEREAS, The act established a framework of shared governance between local and state agencies, aligning community accountability with statewide oversight to sustain responsible mining and reclamation across California; and

WHEREAS, SMARA relies on the essential partnership between local governments and state agencies, including the Department of Conservation and the State Mining and Geology Board, which provide technical expertise, oversight, and policy guidance, while local lead agencies act as the primary permitting and enforcement authorities, together ensuring that mineral resource development, reclamation, and long-term stewardship of lands are carried out in a manner that is locally accountable, scientifically informed, and consistent with statewide environmental and resource development and conservation goals; and

WHEREAS, SMARAs classification and designation system has mapped and conserved millions of acres of mineral resources of regional or statewide significance, ensuring that lands critical to Californias infrastructure, economy, and environment remain available for future generations to develop and use; and

WHEREAS, California remains among the nations leading producers of nonfuel minerals, with essential commodities such as aggregates, limestone for cement, gypsum, boron, and rare earth elements forming the foundation for housing, agriculture, transportation, water systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, SMARA has guided reclamation practices that restore mined lands to productive and natural uses, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and resource development can advance together; and

WHEREAS, SMARA affirms that the responsible use and restoration of natural resources are essential to both human prosperity and environmental health, providing a model for how working lands can serve people and nature alike; and

WHEREAS, SMARA continues to embody the principle that thoughtful policy, shared responsibility, and enduring cooperation can sustain both the natural environment and the human communities necessary as California looks to build the infrastructure of the future and remain the gateway to the Pacific; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975, honors the leadership of Senator John A. Nejedly, Governor Edmund G. Jerry Brown, Jr., and the many bipartisan policymakers, local officials, and industry partners whose vision created SMARA, and reaffirms Californias enduring commitment to responsible mineral resource management and environmental restoration; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Department of Conservation, the State Mining and Geology Board, and to the author for further distribution to other relevant stakeholders as a mark of the Legislatures recognition and celebration of this historic milestone.

WHEREAS, For 50 years, the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) has served as Californias framework for balancing the extraction of essential minerals with the protection of the environment, public health, and local communities, ensuring that mined lands are reclaimed and returned to beneficial use; and

WHEREAS, Authored by Senator John A. Nejedly, a Republican from Contra Costa County, and signed into law by Governor Edmund G. Jerry Brown, Jr., SMARA reflected a spirit of bipartisan stewardship that has continued through subsequent updates and modernizations, ensuring the act remains effective in meeting Californias environmental and economic needs; and

WHEREAS, SMARA recognizes that mineral resources are fundamental to strong communities, providing the raw materials for clean water, housing, transportation, and technology, while ensuring they are developed responsibly for the benefit of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Since its adoption, SMARA has guided the responsible operation and reclamation of hundreds of mining sites throughout California, resulting in the restoration of lands for future community use, including open space, wildlife habitat, public parks, housing, and commercial uses, among others; and

WHEREAS, The act established a framework of shared governance between local and state agencies, aligning community accountability with statewide oversight to sustain responsible mining and reclamation across California; and

WHEREAS, SMARA relies on the essential partnership between local governments and state agencies, including the Department of Conservation and the State Mining and Geology Board, which provide technical expertise, oversight, and policy guidance, while local lead agencies act as the primary permitting and enforcement authorities, together ensuring that mineral resource development, reclamation, and long-term stewardship of lands are carried out in a manner that is locally accountable, scientifically informed, and consistent with statewide environmental and resource development and conservation goals; and

WHEREAS, SMARAs classification and designation system has mapped and conserved millions of acres of mineral resources of regional or statewide significance, ensuring that lands critical to Californias infrastructure, economy, and environment remain available for future generations to develop and use; and

WHEREAS, California remains among the nations leading producers of nonfuel minerals, with essential commodities such as aggregates, limestone for cement, gypsum, boron, and rare earth elements forming the foundation for housing, agriculture, transportation, water systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, SMARA has guided reclamation practices that restore mined lands to productive and natural uses, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and resource development can advance together; and

WHEREAS, SMARA affirms that the responsible use and restoration of natural resources are essential to both human prosperity and environmental health, providing a model for how working lands can serve people and nature alike; and

WHEREAS, SMARA continues to embody the principle that thoughtful policy, shared responsibility, and enduring cooperation can sustain both the natural environment and the human communities necessary as California looks to build the infrastructure of the future and remain the gateway to the Pacific; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975, honors the leadership of Senator John A. Nejedly, Governor Edmund G. Jerry Brown, Jr., and the many bipartisan policymakers, local officials, and industry partners whose vision created SMARA, and reaffirms Californias enduring commitment to responsible mineral resource management and environmental restoration; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Department of Conservation, the State Mining and Geology Board, and to the author for further distribution to other relevant stakeholders as a mark of the Legislatures recognition and celebration of this historic milestone.

WHEREAS, For 50 years, the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) has served as Californias framework for balancing the extraction of essential minerals with the protection of the environment, public health, and local communities, ensuring that mined lands are reclaimed and returned to beneficial use; and

WHEREAS, Authored by Senator John A. Nejedly, a Republican from Contra Costa County, and signed into law by Governor Edmund G. Jerry Brown, Jr., SMARA reflected a spirit of bipartisan stewardship that has continued through subsequent updates and modernizations, ensuring the act remains effective in meeting Californias environmental and economic needs; and

WHEREAS, SMARA recognizes that mineral resources are fundamental to strong communities, providing the raw materials for clean water, housing, transportation, and technology, while ensuring they are developed responsibly for the benefit of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Since its adoption, SMARA has guided the responsible operation and reclamation of hundreds of mining sites throughout California, resulting in the restoration of lands for future community use, including open space, wildlife habitat, public parks, housing, and commercial uses, among others; and

WHEREAS, The act established a framework of shared governance between local and state agencies, aligning community accountability with statewide oversight to sustain responsible mining and reclamation across California; and

WHEREAS, SMARA relies on the essential partnership between local governments and state agencies, including the Department of Conservation and the State Mining and Geology Board, which provide technical expertise, oversight, and policy guidance, while local lead agencies act as the primary permitting and enforcement authorities, together ensuring that mineral resource development, reclamation, and long-term stewardship of lands are carried out in a manner that is locally accountable, scientifically informed, and consistent with statewide environmental and resource development and conservation goals; and

WHEREAS, SMARAs classification and designation system has mapped and conserved millions of acres of mineral resources of regional or statewide significance, ensuring that lands critical to Californias infrastructure, economy, and environment remain available for future generations to develop and use; and

WHEREAS, California remains among the nations leading producers of nonfuel minerals, with essential commodities such as aggregates, limestone for cement, gypsum, boron, and rare earth elements forming the foundation for housing, agriculture, transportation, water systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, SMARA has guided reclamation practices that restore mined lands to productive and natural uses, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and resource development can advance together; and

WHEREAS, SMARA affirms that the responsible use and restoration of natural resources are essential to both human prosperity and environmental health, providing a model for how working lands can serve people and nature alike; and

WHEREAS, SMARA continues to embody the principle that thoughtful policy, shared responsibility, and enduring cooperation can sustain both the natural environment and the human communities necessary as California looks to build the infrastructure of the future and remain the gateway to the Pacific; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975, honors the leadership of Senator John A. Nejedly, Governor Edmund G. Jerry Brown, Jr., and the many bipartisan policymakers, local officials, and industry partners whose vision created SMARA, and reaffirms Californias enduring commitment to responsible mineral resource management and environmental restoration; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Department of Conservation, the State Mining and Geology Board, and to the author for further distribution to other relevant stakeholders as a mark of the Legislatures recognition and celebration of this historic milestone.

 THIRD READING 

Bill No: ACR 157

Author: Hoover (R), et al.

Introduced: 3/4/26

Vote: 21

SUBJECT: Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975: 50th anniversary

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. For 50 years, the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) has served as California’s framework for balancing the extraction of essential minerals with the protection of the environment, public health, and local communities, ensuring that mined lands are reclaimed and returned to beneficial use.
2. SMARA recognizes that mineral resources are fundamental to strong communities, providing the raw materials for clean water, housing, transportation, and technology, while ensuring they are developed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
3. The act established a framework of shared governance between local and state agencies, aligning community accountability with statewide oversight to sustain responsible mining and reclamation across California.
4. California remains among the nation’s leading producers of nonfuel minerals, with essential commodities such as aggregates, limestone for cement, gypsum, boron, and rare earth elements forming the foundation for housing, agriculture, transportation, water systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

This resolution commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975, honors the leadership of Senator John A. Nejedly, Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown, Jr., and the many bipartisan policymakers, local officials, and industry partners whose vision created SMARA, and reaffirms California’s enduring commitment to responsible mineral resource management and environmental restoration.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 7/1/26)

California Construction & Industrial Materials Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/1/26)

None received

Prepared by: Hunter Flynn / SFA / (916) 651-4171

7/1/26 16:55:24

**** END ****

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:ACR 157

Author:(Hoover)

As Introduced Ver:March 4, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA).

Major Provisions

1. Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of SMARA, honors the leadership of Senator Nejedly, Governor Brown, and the many bipartisan policymakers, local officials, and industry partners whose vision created SMARA.
2. Reaffirms California′s enduring commitment to responsible mineral resource management and environmental restoration.

COMMENTS

Today, there are 3,350 known mines in California, more than 1,000 of which are active to remove aggregate for building material, metals, and minerals. Mining operators are required under SMARA to develop and implement reclamation plans, which will return the mine to a condition where it can be used for another purpose after the mining operation is complete.

SMARA provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with regulations for the extraction of minerals that are essential to the continued economic well-being of California and the needs of society, as well as for the reclamation of mined lands in order to prevent or minimize adverse effects on the environment and public health. SMARA applies to anyone, including government agencies, engaged in surface mining operations in California (including those on federally managed lands) that disturb more than one acre or remove more than 1,000 cubic yards of material. This includes prospecting and exploratory activities, dredging and quarrying, streambed skimming, borrow pitting, and the stockpiling of mined materials. According to the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association, today, approximately 1,970 mines have been or are regulated under SMARA.

Since SMARA was enacted, about 856 mines have completed reclamation and been formally closed.

According to the Author

SMARA represents a landmark achievement in California′s approach to balancing environmental stewardship with the responsible development of mineral resources. For fifty years, SMARA has provided a comprehensive framework ensuring that surface mining operations are conducted responsibly and that mined lands are reclaimed for beneficial future uses. California relies on a steady supply of construction materials—including aggregates, concrete, and other mineral resources—to build and maintain the infrastructure that supports our communities. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water systems, and housing all depend on these essential materials. ACR 157 recognizes the 50th anniversary of SMARA and the collaborative efforts of state agencies, local governments, industry, and community stakeholders who have helped implement and strengthen this important law. The resolution acknowledges the continued importance of responsible resource management and mine reclamation in protecting the environment while supporting California′s long-term infrastructure and economic needs.

Arguments in Support

The California Construction and Industrial Materials Association writes in support that SMARA plays an essential role in ensuring California maintains access to the mineral resources necessary to build and maintain modern infrastructure. Materials such as rock, sand, and gravel are critical ingredients in concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials used to build roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water systems, public transit, and housing across the state. SMARA provides a clear regulatory framework that allows mineral extraction to occur while minimizing environmental impacts.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file

FISCAL COMMENTS

Nonfiscal

VOTES

ASM NATURAL RESOURCES: 13-0-1

YES: Bryan, Ellis, Alanis, Connolly, Garcia, Haney, Hoover, Kalra, Macedo, Pellerin, Schultz, Wicks, Zbur

ABS, ABST OR NV: Muratsuchi

UPDATED

VERSION: March 4, 2026

CONSULTANT: Paige Brokaw / NAT. RES. /(916) 319- 2092 FN: 0003159

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:ACR 157

Author:(Hoover)

As Introduced Ver:March 4, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA).

Major Provisions

1. Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of SMARA, honors the leadership of Senator Nejedly, Governor Brown, and the many bipartisan policymakers, local officials, and industry partners whose vision created SMARA.
2. Reaffirms California′s enduring commitment to responsible mineral resource management and environmental restoration.

COMMENTS

Today, there are 3,350 known mines in California, more than 1,000 of which are active to remove aggregate for building material, metals, and minerals. Mining operators are required under SMARA to develop and implement reclamation plans, which will return the mine to a condition where it can be used for another purpose after the mining operation is complete.

SMARA provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with regulations for the extraction of minerals that are essential to the continued economic well-being of California and the needs of society, as well as for the reclamation of mined lands in order to prevent or minimize adverse effects on the environment and public health. SMARA applies to anyone, including government agencies, engaged in surface mining operations in California (including those on federally managed lands) that disturb more than one acre or remove more than 1,000 cubic yards of material. This includes prospecting and exploratory activities, dredging and quarrying, streambed skimming, borrow pitting, and the stockpiling of mined materials. According to the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association, today, approximately 1,970 mines have been or are regulated under SMARA.

Since SMARA was enacted, about 856 mines have completed reclamation and been formally closed.

According to the Author

SMARA represents a landmark achievement in California′s approach to balancing environmental stewardship with the responsible development of mineral resources. For fifty years, SMARA has provided a comprehensive framework ensuring that surface mining operations are conducted responsibly and that mined lands are reclaimed for beneficial future uses. California relies on a steady supply of construction materials—including aggregates, concrete, and other mineral resources—to build and maintain the infrastructure that supports our communities. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water systems, and housing all depend on these essential materials. ACR 157 recognizes the 50th anniversary of SMARA and the collaborative efforts of state agencies, local governments, industry, and community stakeholders who have helped implement and strengthen this important law. The resolution acknowledges the continued importance of responsible resource management and mine reclamation in protecting the environment while supporting California′s long-term infrastructure and economic needs.

Arguments in Support

The California Construction and Industrial Materials Association writes in support that SMARA plays an essential role in ensuring California maintains access to the mineral resources necessary to build and maintain modern infrastructure. Materials such as rock, sand, and gravel are critical ingredients in concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials used to build roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water systems, public transit, and housing across the state. SMARA provides a clear regulatory framework that allows mineral extraction to occur while minimizing environmental impacts.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file

FISCAL COMMENTS

Nonfiscal

VOTES

ASM NATURAL RESOURCES: 13-0-1

YES: Bryan, Ellis, Alanis, Connolly, Garcia, Haney, Hoover, Kalra, Macedo, Pellerin, Schultz, Wicks, Zbur

ABS, ABST OR NV: Muratsuchi

UPDATED

VERSION: March 4, 2026

CONSULTANT: Paige Brokaw / NAT. RES. / FN: 0003159