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Bill > S728
US S728
RECLAIM Act of 2017 Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2017
summary
Introduced
03/27/2017
03/27/2017
In Committee
03/27/2017
03/27/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018
12/31/2018
Introduced Session
115th Congress
Bill Summary
RECLAIM Act of 2017 Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2017 This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) to make specified funds available to the Department of the Interior through FY2021 for distribution to states and Indian tribes to promote economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining carried out before August 3, 1977.The bill prescribes general requirements for projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and waters that are likely to create favorable conditions for the economic development of the project site or promote the general welfare through economic and community development of the area in which the project is conducted. Any such project shall be located in a community affected by a recent decline in mining.A state or Indian tribe that receives funds under this bill may retain a portion of them as necessary to supplement its acid mine drainage abatement and treatment fund for future operation and maintenance costs for the treatment of acid mine drainage associated with individual projects. The bill increases the minimum amount of funds that Interior must provide annually to states and Indian tribes for reclamation and restoration projects. The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study on the use of funds authorized by this bill. The Appalachian Regional Commission may provide grants to individuals or entities in the Appalachian region for projects that have been or that are eligible to be reclaimed or restored under SMCRA. The commission must relocate its headquarters from Washington, DC to the Appalachian region.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) to provide $200 million annually from 2017 to 2021 to states and Indian tribes for reclamation and restoration projects on abandoned mine lands. The funds are intended to promote economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities affected by the decline in coal mining. The bill sets criteria for eligible projects, including that they contribute to future economic or community development and are located in communities affected by a recent decline in mining. The bill also allows states and tribes to use a portion of the funds for acid mine drainage treatment and project planning. Additionally, the bill increases the minimum amount of annual funds that the Department of the Interior must provide to states and tribes for reclamation projects, and authorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission to provide grants for projects on reclaimed mine lands.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1997-1999) (on 03/27/2017)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/728/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/s728/BILLS-115s728is.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/s728/BILLS-115s728is.pdf.pdf |
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