This bill matters because it addresses serious public health and environmental concerns that have been raised by communities and scientific studies regarding mountaintop removal coal mining. If it becomes law, it would pause a controversial mining practice until more definitive information about its health impacts is gathered, potentially safeguarding the health of people living in affected regions, particularly in Appalachia. It would also increase transparency around the environmental impact of existing mines by requiring public reporting of pollution data.
If this bill does not become law, federal permits for mountaintop removal coal mining could continue to be issued and renewed without a comprehensive federal health study being completed. The public would also not have guaranteed access to ongoing pollution monitoring data from these mining sites, leaving residents and regulators with less information to assess potential health risks.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a temporary stop (moratorium) on issuing or renewing federal permits for mountaintop removal coal mining projects and their expansions.
This pauses new operations and expansions until health risks are assessed, potentially protecting communities from immediate harm.
PROVISION 02
Requires the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study on the health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining on nearby communities.
This provision aims to provide a scientific basis for future policy decisions by investigating reported health concerns.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that active mountaintop removal coal mining projects continuously monitor for water, air, and noise pollution, and consistently monitor for soil pollution.
This ensures ongoing data collection about environmental impacts and holds companies accountable for their emissions.
PROVISION 04
Requires mining companies to submit monthly pollution monitoring results to the Department of Health and Human Services, which must then make the data publicly available online.
This increases transparency and allows the public, researchers, and regulators to access real-time environmental data.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
COMMITTEE
JUL 23
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUL 23
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it addresses serious public health and environmental concerns that have been raised by communities and scientific studies regarding mountaintop removal coal mining. If it becomes law, it would pause a controversial mining practice until more definitive information about its health impacts is gathered, potentially safeguarding the health of people living in affected regions, particularly in Appalachia. It would also increase transparency around the environmental impact of existing mines by requiring public reporting of pollution data.
If this bill does not become law, federal permits for mountaintop removal coal mining could continue to be issued and renewed without a comprehensive federal health study being completed. The public would also not have guaranteed access to ongoing pollution monitoring data from these mining sites, leaving residents and regulators with less information to assess potential health risks.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a temporary stop (moratorium) on issuing or renewing federal permits for mountaintop removal coal mining projects and their expansions.
This pauses new operations and expansions until health risks are assessed, potentially protecting communities from immediate harm.
high
Requires the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study on the health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining on nearby communities.
This provision aims to provide a scientific basis for future policy decisions by investigating reported health concerns.
high
Mandates that active mountaintop removal coal mining projects continuously monitor for water, air, and noise pollution, and consistently monitor for soil pollution.
This ensures ongoing data collection about environmental impacts and holds companies accountable for their emissions.
med
Requires mining companies to submit monthly pollution monitoring results to the Department of Health and Human Services, which must then make the data publicly available online.
This increases transparency and allows the public, researchers, and regulators to access real-time environmental data.
On the date the Secretary of Health and Human Services publishes a determination concluding that mountaintop removal coal mining does not present any health risks.
Moratorium on federal authorizations for mountaintop removal coal mining and monitoring requirements for existing projects terminate.
Monthly, for the duration of the monitoring requirement.
Monthly submission of pollution monitoring results by mining projects.
Not later than 7 days after receipt of the results.
Public availability of pollution monitoring results by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
No new federal authorizations (permits) or renewals for the project or its expansion.
Any person or company that fails to comply with the monitoring and reporting requirements for a mountaintop removal coal mining project.
GLOSSARY
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Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
A form of surface coal mining that involves blasting away the tops of mountains to reach coal seams, primarily in the steep slope regions of the Appalachian Mountains. It often uses explosives and can fill adjacent valleys with debris.
Moratorium
A temporary ban or suspension of an activity, in this case, the issuance and renewal of certain federal permits for mountaintop removal coal mining.
Federal Authorization
Official permission or permits granted by a federal government agency that allows certain activities, such as mining, to proceed.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
A part of the National Institutes of Health that conducts and supports research on how the environment affects human health.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)
An agency within the Department of the Interior responsible for ensuring that coal mining operations are conducted in an environmentally sound manner and that mined lands are reclaimed.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
JUL 24, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
COMMITTEE
JUL 23, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUL 23, 25
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
