H.R.167 - Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 167, the Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025, amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. It authorizes partnerships between states and non-governmental entities to reclaim land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining before August 3, 1977. The Act establishes state memoranda of understanding for remediation of mine drainage and defines the criteria for 'Community Reclaimer' projects.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased remediation of abandoned mine lands through collaborative efforts between states and community organizations. It will also clarify state liability for mine drainage projects under specific conditions. The Act is set to expire on September 30, 2032.
Potential Benefits
- Increased remediation of abandoned mine lands and improved water quality.
- Fosters collaboration between states, federal agencies, and community organizations.
- Provides a framework for utilizing resources from the sale or use of reprocessed materials to fund remediation efforts.
- Clarifies state liability, encouraging more active participation in mine drainage projects.
- Requires public review and comment, promoting transparency and community involvement.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for delays in project approval due to the 120-day review period by the Secretary.
- Risk of projects not meeting the stringent requirements for approval, hindering progress.
- Limited scope, as the act focuses specifically on pre-1977 coal mining activities.
- Sunset provision may create uncertainty about long-term remediation efforts beyond 2032.
- Potential for conflicts of interest if Community Reclaimers have existing reclamation liabilities.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to improve environmental conditions and public health by reclaiming abandoned mine lands. It also respects the balance of power between the federal government and the states, allowing states to enter into memoranda of understanding with federal agencies. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
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).