California Legislature Marks 50 Years of Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
Video Credit: The California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA)
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 23, 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — Construction materials industry association California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA) announced that the California State Assembly has approved ACR 157, a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA).
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The resolution was authored by Assemblymember Josh Hoover and received bipartisan support, including co-authorship from Assemblymembers Jasmeet Bains and Stephanie Nguyen, along with more than 50 additional legislators.
SMARA took effect on January 1, 1976, after being signed into law by former Governor Jerry Brown. The legislation established a framework for mineral resource development and land reclamation through cooperation among local governments, state agencies, and industry participants.
"SMARA is a California success story that doesn't get nearly enough credit. For fifty years, this law has proven that environmental protection and responsible resource development work hand-in-hand rather than operating as opposing forces. The materials that build our homes, schools, roads, and clean energy infrastructure must come from somewhere, and SMARA ensures they come from somewhere responsibly. I'm proud to author this resolution honoring that legacy," said Assemblymember Josh Hoover.
CalCIMA President and CEO Robert Dugan says reclaimed mining sites throughout California have been converted into parks, wildlife habitat, neighborhoods, water facilities, and other community assets.
"Fifty years after SMARA's enactment, that observation from state officials remains as true today as it was when California first established this framework for responsible mineral resource development and reclamation. Former mining sites have become parks, wildlife habitat, neighborhoods, water facilities, and community assets across this state. Many Californians enjoy those places today without ever knowing their history. That's the legacy of SMARA, and it's one CalCIMA and our members are proud to have been part of," said Robert Dugan, President and CEO of CalCIMA.
SMARA is administered through a partnership involving the California Department of Conservation, the State Mining and Geology Board, local governments, and mineral producers. The program has facilitated the reclamation of mining lands into open space, parks, agricultural land, housing developments, commercial projects, and water infrastructure.
The resolution also recognized the role of mineral resources in supporting California's housing, transportation, climate adaptation, and domestic critical mineral supply chain initiatives.
As part of the anniversary, CalCIMA announced its first Golden Anniversary Reclamation Awards, recognizing reclamation projects across California that have transformed former mining sites into habitats, parks, agricultural land, housing developments, and other community resources.
For more information, visit www.calcima.org.
Source: California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA)
