Bill lets volunteer groups help clean up old abandoned coal mines
Passed one chamberH.R. 167Latest action
Sponsor: Darin LaHood · Representative · IL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 167 lets states partner with volunteer "Community Reclaimers" to clean up pre-1977 abandoned coal mines through 2032.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 167 updates the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to let states partner with outside "Community Reclaimer" groups to restore land and water damaged by coal mines abandoned before August 1977. States can also form agreements with federal agencies to address polluted mine drainage, including water monitoring and equipment maintenance plans. The law would remain in effect until September 30, 2032, unless renewed.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects states with abandoned coal mines, environmental and reclamation organizations, mining-adjacent businesses that might volunteer, and nearby communities. It also affects federal agencies like the Department of the Interior and the EPA, which review and approve state plans.
Why does it matter?
States taking legal responsibility for these projects would shield volunteer Community Reclaimers from lawsuits or costs unless they act with serious carelessness or bad faith, changing liability arrangements around mine cleanup work.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Referred in Senate” text of May 14, 2025.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 3, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · May 14, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.