Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2024

This bill creates a process for compensating individuals and businesses in Colorado affected by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill, which released over 3 million gallons of toxic mine water into rivers. It allows eligible claimants (like farmers, ranchers, or recreation businesses) who submitted claims by August 2017 and haven’t previously settled for over $2,500 to receive payment for specific documented losses: lost business income (Aug-Dec 2015), livestock relocation costs, or crop damage (Aug-Dec 2015), excluding emotional distress or cleanup costs. The EPA must process claims within 180 days of the bill’s enactment, paying only the amount claimed or actual damages, with payments final and releasing all related claims against the government. The bill does not cover new claims or existing settlements, and requires claimants to certify their claims under penalty of perjury.