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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

Congress proposes higher coal mine cleanup bond standards to reduce risk taxpayers pay for reclamation

Also known as: Bond Improvement and Reclamation Assurance Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • Requires coal mining companies to post bonds that more realistically cover the full cost to clean up and restore mined land if a company walks away.
  • Sets a nationwide minimum bond amount of $52,593 per permit (updated each year for inflation), while still allowing regulators to require higher amounts.
  • Tells regulators to factor in inflation, early or sudden mine closures, and extra cleanup costs when setting bond amounts.
  • When a mining permit is sold or transferred, the bond must be recalculated, and major owners can still be held responsible for cleanup costs.
  • Requires inspectors to quickly flag site changes that could raise cleanup costs, and makes inspection info available to the public electronically.րմ
Energy EnvironmentEconomy Finance

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 27, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Jan 27, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Bond Improvement and Reclamation Assurance Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7249
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
D: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.