In a landslide vote of 63-5, the California State Assembly passed, and Governor Gray Davis signed, SB 22, legislation that will require Glamis Gold Ltd. to fully restore a proposed open-pit gold mine at Indian Pass after mining is completed. The California desert site contains ancient rock carvings and pottery shards and is used for religious ceremonies by members of the Quechan Indian Nation, who for centuries have run from the Colorado River through Indian Pass for spiritual cleansing and prayer. Glamis has stated that the reclamation requirement will make the mine uneconomical. As he signed the new legislation, Governor Davis said: “We are sending a message that sacred sites are more important than gold.” For more information on SB 22 see the following:

SB 22 Chaptered Bill Text

From http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm

2003-2004 Senate Session, SB 22: Surface mining and reclamation.

Author: Sen. Byron Sher (D, Palo Alto).

Governor Davis Signs Bill to Protect Quechan Indian Pass

James May, Indian Country Today — 4/14/03

From http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/archive/28182179.html

Governor Davis Signs Mining Bill

Steve Lawrence, Associated Press — 4/7/03

California Passes Complete Backfill Bill to Protect Quechan Indian Pass

Press Release issued by Quechan Tribe — 4/7/03