Bill · H.R. 280· House(119-HR-280)
COAL Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/9/2025
- Last activity
- 9/3/2025 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Harriet Hageman
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "COAL Act of 2025," directs the Secretary of the Interior to take specific actions regarding coal lease applications. It focuses on "qualified applications" that have already started the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The Act requires the Secretary to publish draft environmental assessments, finalize fair market values, and complete all necessary actions to grant these applications. Additionally, it mandates that the Secretary grant any remaining required approvals for previously awarded coal leases so mining can begin. Finally, the bill strips the force and effect of Secretarial Order 3338.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
The bill reduces regulatory delays for coal lease applicants and provides more certainty for mining operations.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill mandates the expedited approval of coal lease applications and commencement of mining activities which supports industry employment.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
The bill supports the expansion of coal mining which can provide economic activity to rural communities.
The opposite
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-6
The bill mandates the expedited granting of coal lease applications which facilitates increased coal production.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expedited Mining Operations: The bill requires the Secretary to take all intermediate actions and grant qualified applications as soon as practicable (Section 2(b)(1)). This could allow for faster movement from the application stage to active mining.
-
Commencement of Mining Activities: For those with previously awarded leases, the bill mandates the granting of any additional required approvals (Section 2(b)(2)). This is intended to allow mining activities to commence more quickly.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Removal of Regulatory Restrictions: The bill explicitly states that Secretarial Order 3338 will have no force or effect (Section 3). This removes a specific departmental order previously issued by the Secretary of the Interior.
-
Mandatory Leasing Regardless of Judicial Decisions: The bill directs the Secretary to proceed with actions notwithstanding any judicial decision to the contrary (Section 3). This could impact the legal processes or outcomes regarding coal leasing.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+6Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Union Workers+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-6
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4
- 9/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/3/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 7/2/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 6/6/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska
Brad FinstadRepublican · Minnesota
Daniel MeuserRepublican · Pennsylvania
Carol MillerRepublican · West Virginia