H.R. 167: Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025

The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025 aims to amend existing legislation related to land reclamation stemming from coal mining activities that occurred before August 3, 1977. The bill seeks to establish partnerships between state governments and nongovernmental entities (such as private companies or organizations) to reclaim and restore land and water resources that have been adversely affected by those mining operations.

Key Features of the Bill

• Memoranda of Understanding: States can enter into formal agreements with federal or state agencies to address mine drainage issues on abandoned mine lands. These agreements must outline strategies for improving water quality and include public review processes.
• Community Reclaimer Partnerships: The bill allows for projects led by entities defined as "Community Reclaimers," which can be individuals or organizations that wish to assist in reclamation efforts, provided they did not contribute to the initial degradation of the sites. These partners will need state approval to undertake reclamation projects.
• Project Approval Process: The Secretary of the Interior must approve reclamation projects within 120 days if they meet certain conditions, including being backed by a state-approved memorandum and addressing mine drainage at designated sites.
• Public Participation: States must involve the public in the development of memoranda and project proposals, ensuring that local communities have a voice in the reclamation process.
• Liability Clarifications: The bill clarifies liability issues, specifying that states can manage mine drainage projects according to approved memoranda, thus delineating the responsibilities among participants.
• Sunset Provision: The bill will remain in effect until September 30, 2032, at which point it will be evaluated for potential renewal or modification.

Process for Community Reclaimer Projects

To initiate a project, a Community Reclaimer must submit a detailed proposal, including:

• A project description and engineering plans.
• Details about the site and how it has been impacted by previous mining activities.
• Contracts or agreements with state or landowners.
• Evidence of the contractor's capability and financial resources.
• Plans for emergency actions and responses to unforeseen events.

Relevant Companies

• ARCH - Arch Resources, a major coal producer, may be involved in discussions or partnerships relating to reclamation projects, especially in states with significant mining activity.
• BTU - Peabody Energy Corporation, another significant coal mining company, could also engage in remediation efforts for previously mined areas and benefit from new reclamation initiatives.