Combating Obstruction Against Leasing Act of 2025; COAL Act of 2025
Summary
The Combating Obstruction Against Leasing Act of 2025 (COAL Act) aims to expedite the coal leasing process by mandating the Secretary of the Interior to take specific actions on qualified coal applications. This includes publishing environmental assessments, finalizing fair market values, and granting pending applications. The act also nullifies Secretarial Order 3338, which imposed a federal coal moratorium.
Expected Effects
The COAL Act is likely to increase coal production by streamlining the leasing process and removing obstacles to mining activities. This could lead to increased energy production and potential job creation in the coal industry. However, it may also result in increased environmental impact due to expanded coal mining.
Potential Benefits
- Increased domestic energy production.
- Potential job creation in the coal industry.
- Reduced reliance on foreign energy sources.
- Increased revenue from coal leases.
- Streamlined regulatory processes for coal leasing.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased environmental damage due to expanded coal mining.
- Possible negative impacts on air and water quality.
- Exacerbation of climate change due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Potential conflicts with environmental regulations and conservation efforts.
- Reduced public input and scrutiny in the coal leasing process.
Constitutional Alignment
The COAL Act appears to align with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8). However, its potential environmental impacts could raise questions regarding the government's responsibility to protect natural resources for future generations. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).