A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the CLEAN UP Mines Act of 2026. It changes the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to tighten rules on surface coal mining and environmental impacts. The bill sets strict deadlines for backfilling, grading, and revegetation after coal production stops. It also treats requests to temporarily cease or suspend mining operations as significant permit revisions. Additionally, the legislation updates rules for water monitoring, inspections, and the release of performance bonds or deposits.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill introduces strict requirements for backfilling, revegetation, and comprehensive water monitoring to protect local ecosystems.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
The legislation ensures faster and more effective land reclamation and environmental restoration after mining ceases.
- Scored +4
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Rural communities benefit from enhanced local water quality monitoring and prompt land restoration.
The opposite
- Scored -4
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?
The bill creates strict operational hurdles and rigid deadlines that could burden coal producers.
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Mine operators face stricter regulatory compliance and tighter deadlines for reclamation.
- Scored -3
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill imposes stricter operational requirements and compliance burdens on coal mining operators.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(c) requires operators to complete all final backfilling and grading before the necessary equipment is removed from the site, and not later than 180 days after the last coal production. This ensures the land is fixed up quickly and properly.
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Section 2(d) requires quarterly monitoring of both surface water and ground water during mining and reclamation, alongside an annual assessment of the biological condition of streams. This helps track and protect local water quality and stream health.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 2(b) states that a request to temporarily cease or suspend mining operations is a significant permit revision, and outlines that permits are out of compliance if no active coal removal or reclamation occurs for more than 6 months during any 3-year period. This creates strict operational hurdles and burdens for mine operators during slow economic times.
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Section 2(c) sets strict timelines, such as forcing operators to establish vegetation not later than 36 months after the date of last coal production and limiting the time to achieve successful revegetation. This could place heavy timing pressures on operators to meet rigid deadlines.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill introduces strict requirements for backfilling, revegetation, and comprehensive water monitoring to protect local ecosystems. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The legislation ensures faster and more effective land reclamation and environmental restoration after mining ceases. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The legislation tightens environmental and reclamation standards for surface coal mining. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The bill creates strict operational hurdles and rigid deadlines that could burden coal producers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular quarterly water monitoring and biological stream assessments, improving data transparency. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases regulatory oversight and standards for surface mining activities.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural communities benefit from enhanced local water quality monitoring and prompt land restoration. Would children be better off under this? — Improved environmental and water protection benefits the long-term health of younger generations. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Environmental protections may positively impact indigenous lands and communities near mining operations. Would business owners be better off under this? — Mine operators face stricter regulatory compliance and tighter deadlines for reclamation.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill imposes stricter operational requirements and compliance burdens on coal mining operators.
- 5/26/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Christopher DeluzioDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Summer LeeDemocrat · Pennsylvania