House OKs bill to use tires to fill mines

The Arizona House has approved a bill to allow waste tires to be used as fill in abandoned mines.

The House’s 35-21 vote June 22 sends the bill to the Senate. It would require that tires be covered by 10 feet of rock or dirt.

Supporters say using tires is an economical and safe way to help fill some of the thousands of abandoned mines across the state and pose deadly safety hazards.

Critics say using tires poses an environmental and safety risk.