Plain Language Summary
# COAL Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The COAL Act of 2025 would require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to speed up the process for leasing federal coal deposits to companies for mining. Currently, if an environmental review has already started for a coal lease application, the bill would force the BLM to complete that review, finalize the lease price, and approve the application. It would also require the BLM to grant additional approvals needed for mining to begin on previously awarded coal leases.
Additionally, the bill would overturn a 2023 Interior Department policy (Secretarial Order 3338) that paused most new federal coal leases while the government reviewed the federal coal program. **Who It Affects and Key Details** This bill primarily affects coal companies seeking to mine on federal lands, as well as states like Wyoming (where the sponsor is from) that have significant coal resources. Environmental groups and renewable energy advocates would likely oppose it, as it streamlines approval processes and removes environmental safeguards. The bill essentially removes delays and obstacles in the coal leasing process by limiting the scope of environmental reviews and requiring faster approval timelines. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee as of this summary, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Combating Obstruction Against Leasing Act of 2025 or the COAL Act of 2025This bill requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to process certain applications to lease coal mineral estates owned by the federal government in order to develop coal.If the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 has commenced for an application, then the BLM must publish a draft environmental assessment and any applicable implementing regulations, finalize the fair market value of the coal tract for which a lease by application is pending, take all intermediate actions necessary to grant the application, and grant the application.With respect to previously awarded coal leases, the BLM must grant any additional approvals required for mining activities to commence.Finally, the bill nullifies the Department of the Interior's Secretarial Order 3338, which placed a hold on most new federal coal leases until the BLM completes a comprehensive review of the federal coal program.
Latest Action
Subcommittee Hearings Held