Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026
To amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to protect taxpayers from liability associated with the reclamation of surface coal mining operations, and for other purposes.
HB9029, also known as the Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026, aims to change the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. This bill seeks to protect taxpayers by preventing them from being held responsible for the costs of cleaning up surface coal mining sites. The law currently allows taxpayers to be liable for these cleanup costs, and this bill seeks to change that.
This bill would impact taxpayers, coal mining companies, and local communities by potentially reducing the financial burden on taxpayers for coal mining site cleanups. Coal mining companies and local governments might also see changes in how cleanup responsibilities are managed.
As of May 26, 2026, HB9029 has just been introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. This is the first step in the legislative process, and the bill is currently being reviewed by the committee.
