Government Affairs & Advocacy
CMA is the trusted voice of Colorado’s mining industry. Through strong relationships with lawmakers, regulators, and courts at every level of government, we ensure that mining remains a central part of Colorado’s economy and future.
Legislative AdvocacyEngaging at Every Level of Government
CMA represents the mining industry before state, local, and federal officials, including the Colorado Legislature, Governor’s Office, county leaders, and Colorado’s Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C.
With nearly 150 years of credibility, CMA leverages longstanding relationships to ensure that the industry’s priorities are heard and acted upon.
Recent Legislative Wins
Colorado’s First State Dredge and Fill Program
Played a leading role in negotiating the first state Dredge and Fill program in the United States while ensuring that the new program includes regulatory certainty and necessary exemptions for mining companies.
Partnered with the legislature and the Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety to create a reclamation-only permit program, streamlining legacy mine remediation projects.
Reclamation-Only Permit Program
Helped pass legislation that designated nuclear energy as a clean energy source, unlocking financing and investment for uranium development in Colorado.
Nuclear Energy as Clean Energy
Working Directly With RegulatorsRegulatory Engagement
CMA maintains active partnerships with state and federal agencies, including the Colorado Department of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
We advocate for practical, efficient regulations that allow mining companies to operate responsibly while remaining competitive. CMA also provides direct support to member companies on individual permits and regulatory challenges to ensure projects can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Protecting the Industry in the CourtsLegal Advocacy
When legislative or regulatory solutions are not enough, CMA represents the mining industry in state and federal courts. Our team has deep experience in legal advocacy and also provides counsel to member companies on specific legal and regulatory matters.
Recent Legal Achievements
10th Circuit, 2024
CMA filed an amicus brief that led the Court of Appeals to overturn a lower court ruling, setting national precedent on Clean Water Act discharge standards.
Stone v. High Mountain Mining
Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County
U.S. Supreme Court, 2025
CMA and allies filed a brief supporting a unanimous ruling that limited NEPA reviews to impacts within an agency’s jurisdiction, curbing project delays and strengthening permitting efficiency.
A precedent-setting case reinforcing the legal protections and rights of mining operators in Colorado.
CMA v. Summit County
Advocacy That Delivers Results
Through legislative, regulatory, and legal engagement, CMA ensures that mining remains a strong, sustainable, and competitive industry in Colorado and across the nation.