We were very pleased to see your article, "Gold-Plated Giveaways," in the January/February issue of Multinational Monitor. I really appreciate the continued effort that you have put into tracking the mining law issue, and raising people's attention to it.
I attended Bruce Babbit's January 19 confirmation hearing. The first serious question put to him was by Senator Bumpers, D-Arkansas - a lengthy recounting of the problems of the 1872 Mining Law and a question to Babbit on how he would react. While Babbit was being cautious, he did comment that he had a very favorable experience with the state of Arizona's leasing and royalty system for handling hardrock and minerals, and that he would be influenced in his action as secretary of the Department of the Interior by his experience as governor of that state.
Thanks for your continued diligence. I think we are making very important progress on this, and the 103rd Congress may see victory!
Philip M. Hocker
President
Mineral Policy Center