Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-167| House
| Updated: 5/14/2025
Darin LaHood
Republican Representative
Illinois
Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Natural Resources Committee
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted
The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025 aims to facilitate the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining activities that occurred before August 3, 1977. It achieves this by amending the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize new partnerships between states and nongovernmental entities. This legislation seeks to accelerate the cleanup of abandoned mine lands, particularly focusing on water quality improvements. A key provision allows states with approved reclamation programs to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with federal or state agencies to remediate mine drainage. These MOUs must outline strategies for improving water quality, including monitoring, sampling, and the operation and maintenance of treatment systems, and require public review and comment before approval. Once approved by the Secretary and the EPA Administrator, these MOUs become part of the state's official abandoned mine reclamation plan. The Act also establishes a program for Community Reclaimer Partnerships , enabling states to submit projects for approval by the Secretary. These projects must be conducted by qualified "Community Reclaimers"—entities that voluntarily assist states, did not create the original site conditions, and are not subject to outstanding violations. The state must assume liability for these projects, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the reclaimer, and ensure the reclaimer has the technical and financial capacity to complete the work. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that control or treatment activities conducted under an approved state MOU for mine drainage will not incur liability under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, providing crucial protection for states and reclaimers. The legislation also permits the reprocessing of historic mine residue by Community Reclaimers under specific conditions, with proceeds used to offset remediation costs. This Act is set to remain in effect until September 30, 2032.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1970-1972)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 167.
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)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Environmental Protection
CoalEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchGovernment liabilityHazardous wastes and toxic substancesIntergovernmental relationsLand use and conservationMiningPublic participation and lobbyingState and local government operationsWater quality
Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-167| House
| Updated: 5/14/2025
The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025 aims to facilitate the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining activities that occurred before August 3, 1977. It achieves this by amending the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize new partnerships between states and nongovernmental entities. This legislation seeks to accelerate the cleanup of abandoned mine lands, particularly focusing on water quality improvements. A key provision allows states with approved reclamation programs to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with federal or state agencies to remediate mine drainage. These MOUs must outline strategies for improving water quality, including monitoring, sampling, and the operation and maintenance of treatment systems, and require public review and comment before approval. Once approved by the Secretary and the EPA Administrator, these MOUs become part of the state's official abandoned mine reclamation plan. The Act also establishes a program for Community Reclaimer Partnerships , enabling states to submit projects for approval by the Secretary. These projects must be conducted by qualified "Community Reclaimers"—entities that voluntarily assist states, did not create the original site conditions, and are not subject to outstanding violations. The state must assume liability for these projects, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the reclaimer, and ensure the reclaimer has the technical and financial capacity to complete the work. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that control or treatment activities conducted under an approved state MOU for mine drainage will not incur liability under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, providing crucial protection for states and reclaimers. The legislation also permits the reprocessing of historic mine residue by Community Reclaimers under specific conditions, with proceeds used to offset remediation costs. This Act is set to remain in effect until September 30, 2032.