Three West River lawmakers are proposing stronger mining laws after residents of Piedmont learned through a newspaper notice that a 300-acre limestone mine had been approved without local input.
The project, planned by Simon Contractors of Wyoming, was authorized under the state’s sand and gravel licensing system, which does not require environmental studies, permits, public hearings, or official notification. Unlike hard rock mines, soft mineral operations such as limestone need only a state license and landowner consent.
Responding to public concern, Rep. Kathy Rice, Rep. Terri Jorgenson, and Sen. John Carley say they may introduce legislation in 2026 to mandate environmental impact statements, stronger notification rules, and tighter regulations. Local officials are also considering zoning ordinances, which Meade County currently lacks.
Community opposition has grown quickly: a Nov. 20 meeting drew more than 250 people, a Facebook page opposing the mine logged 700,000 views in its first month, and residents have retained attorney Nick Moser, who is known for fighting the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline.
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