Bill · H.R. 167· House(119-HR-167)
Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 5/14/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Darin LaHood
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025 aims to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. It authorizes partnerships between States and nongovernmental entities to reclaim land and water resources damaged by coal mining activities occurring before August 3, 1977. The bill allows States to enter into memorandums of understanding with Federal or State agencies to address mine drainage and water pollution. Additionally, it establishes "Community Reclaimer" partnerships to facilitate remediation projects on abandoned mine lands. These projects may include the reprocessing of historic mine residue to help fund the cleanup efforts. The Act is scheduled to remain in effect until September 30, 2032.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill specifically aims to improve water quality and remediate land damaged by historical coal mining.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+5
The bill improves land management by providing frameworks for remediating abandoned mine sites.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill includes requirements for public notice, meetings, and responses to public comment.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Water Quality: The bill establishes strategies for States and Federal agencies to address water pollution from mine drainage, specifically through procedures intended to ensure improved water quality (Section 3, subsection m, paragraph 2).
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Public Engagement Opportunities: Before a memorandum of understanding is approved, States are required to invite interested members of the public to comment and hold at least one public meeting in an accessible location (Section 3, subsection m, paragraph 3).
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Financial Support for Remediation: Community Reclaimers are permitted to reprocess materials recovered during remediation to help defray the costs of the reclamation projects (Section s, subsection n, paragraph 3).
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Local Accountability and Notification: The bill requires that a State provide notice to adjacent and downstream landowners and the public, and hold a public meeting near the proposed project site before any project begins (Section 3, subsection n, paragraph 2, subparagraph M).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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State Financial Responsibility for Damages: Under the required agreements, a State must assume all responsibility for costs or damages resulting from a Community Reclaimer's actions or inactions, unless the damage was caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct (Section 3, subsection n, paragraph 1, subparagraph E).
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Potential for Unplanned Events: The bill requires the creation of a contingency plan to address unplanned adverse events, including emergency actions and notifications (Section 3, subsection n, paragraph 2, subparagraph K).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7Improves Public Land Management+5Improves Rural Development+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Increase States Rights+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Business Owners+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1Reduces Government Spending+1
- 5/14/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 5/13/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1970-1971)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1970-1971)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 167.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1970-1972)
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House