HR 167: Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025

HR 167 in plain English: This bill revises the federal Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, which restores land and water damaged by coal mines abandoned before August 3, 1977. Until September 30, 2032, it allows states with approved reclamation programs to partner with federal or state agencies—and with volunteer 'community reclaimers'—to clean up abandoned mine drainage and land.

Stated purpose

The bill aims to restore land and water damaged by abandoned coal mines (abandoned before August 3, 1977) by allowing states to partner with federal agencies and volunteer community reclaimers to carry out cleanup projects.

Key points

• Allows states to sign agreements with federal or state agencies to address drainage from abandoned mines through September 30, 2032.
• Permits states to partner with volunteer 'community reclaimers' to carry out abandoned mine land cleanup projects.
• Community reclaimers must not have caused the site damage and must have no outstanding surface coal mining permit violations.

Arguments supporters make

• Abandoned mines have polluted water and scarred land for decades — this bill brings in more partners and resources to speed up cleanup that government alone has struggled to complete.
• Volunteers and community groups who want to help restore local land and water can now do so with a clear legal framework and liability protection, removing a major barrier to participation.
• Requiring public comment periods and federal agency sign-off builds in accountability, so cleanup efforts are transparent and meet water quality standards.

Arguments opponents make

• The liability shield for community reclaimers — where states absorb costs unless there is gross negligence — could leave taxpayers on the hook if volunteer-led projects cause unintended environmental harm.
• The program is set to expire in 2032, which critics may argue is too short a window to tackle decades of abandoned mine damage, and raises questions about long-term commitment to cleanup.
• Relying on voluntary, nongovernmental reclaimers could result in uneven cleanup efforts, with well-resourced communities getting help while the most remote or economically struggling areas near abandoned mines are left behind.

Tradeoffs

Bringing in community volunteers can expand the pace and reach of mine cleanup, but shifting liability to states means the public may bear financial risk if projects go wrong. Speeding up reclamation through flexible partnerships also requires trusting that state oversight and federal approval processes are sufficient to prevent new environmental harm.

Current status in Congress: Passed House.

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