The California State Senate has passed a bill, SB-670, that will place a moratorium on suction dredge mining in California waterways. Nevada County State Senator, Sam Aanestad, says there is no scientific evidence that suction dredge mining is harmful to the environment, and this bill will hurt more than 325 small businesses in California, "This bill will cause severe economic damage to the rural communities and to the small business people, who depend on this industry, or entertainment, as a source of income."

Senator Aanestad says the California Department of Fish and Game is currently studying the environmental impacts of suction dredge mining, "Why don't we let the results of the scientific studies come to a conclusion this fall, let Department of Fish and Game come out with their recommendation, and then act as a legislative body on that."

SB-670 passed off the Senate Floor with 28 votes, meaning it would go into effect immediately if the governor signs it into law. However, Governor Schwarzenegger has said he won't sign any laws until the budget is fixed.