Bill would force fast approval of Montana coal mining plan
In committeeH.R. 931Latest action
Sponsor: Troy Downing · Representative · MT
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Official title: To allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill requires Interior to give final approval to a Montana coal mining plan within 30 days, skipping normal review.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill requires the Department of the Interior to give final approval, within 30 days of enactment, to the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification covering about 800 acres of federal land in Musselshell County, Montana. The plan already received preliminary approval in 2020, and the bill would bypass other reviews, objections, or environmental concerns.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects the coal company holding federal Lease MTM 97988 for the Bull Mountains Mine No. 1. It also affects nearby landowners, local communities, and environmental groups who could otherwise weigh in through standard procedures.
Why does it matter?
By mandating approval without the usual regulatory review process, the bill removes opportunities for outside input, objections, or environmental scrutiny on this specific mining plan. It applies only to this one lease and plan modification in Montana, not to other coal leases elsewhere.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 4, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · May 20, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Subcommittee Hearings Held