Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative LaHood
Passed House
Summary
Community Reclamation Partnerships would let states pair with federal or state agencies and local nonprofit or private 'community reclaimers' to clean up abandoned coal mine lands and treat harmful mine drainage.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster mine cleanups and liability limits
If enacted, States could submit Community Reclaimer projects to clean up abandoned mine sites. The Secretary would have to decide within 120 days if a project meets all rules. Projects would need a listed site, sealed engineering plans, access agreements, and enough funds for construction, operations, and contingency needs. States would give notice to nearby landowners and hold a local public meeting, and obtain all required permits. Projects could not be ones that need a title V permit. Limited reprocessing of historic mine residue could be allowed if approved, with proceeds paying for cleanup and reimbursing the agency. States would agree to cover damages from the work, except for gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the reclaimer. Legal liability for treatment would be limited when work follows an approved State memorandum for mine drainage.
State plans to treat mine drainage
If enacted, States with an approved reclamation program would be able to sign a plan with federal or State agencies to treat mine drainage at eligible sites. The plan would set steps to improve water quality and rules for monitoring, reporting, and running treatment systems. The State would need to ask for public comment, give at least 15 days’ notice online and in local newspapers, and hold at least one local meeting. The State would need to answer major public comments within 30 days. The Secretary and EPA would have 120 days to approve or deny if the plan helps improve water quality. An approved plan would become part of the State’s reclamation plan.
Cleanup program ends in 2032
If enacted, these cleanup partnership authorities would expire after September 30, 2032 unless Congress extends them. The rules would start on enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
LaHood
IL • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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