Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025

This bill would pay people, businesses, and groups hurt by the 2015 Gold King Mine wastewater spill in Colorado. It allows money for real losses caused by the spill, like property or income losses, but not interest or extra “punishment” money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must review the claims and decide how much to pay. Decisions must be made within 180 days after the law takes effect.

Only claims that were already filed with the EPA by August 5, 2017 are eligible. Payments are limited to the amount originally requested, and Colorado law is used to figure out the size of losses. If you accept a payment, you give up the right to bring other claims about the same harm. If you disagree with the EPA’s final decision, you can ask a federal court in Colorado to review it within 60 days. Up to $3.3 million is set aside for these payments, available until spent.

• Who is affected: People, organizations, and companies harmed by the Gold King Mine spill who submitted claims to the EPA by August 5, 2017.
• What changes: The EPA must investigate and decide eligible claims; payments cover actual losses only and cannot exceed what was first claimed. Accepting payment ends your right to sue over the same harm.
• When: The EPA has 180 days after the law starts to decide each claim; court challenges must be filed within 60 days of the EPA’s final decision. Funding is for fiscal year 2025.