A bill to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes.

# Bill Summary: S. 362 – Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification **What It Would Do** This bill would allow coal mining to proceed on approximately 800 acres of federal land in Musselshell County, Montana. Specifically, it directs the Department of the Interior to approve and implement the 2020 Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification without delay or changes. The bill essentially streamlines the approval process for mining federal coal reserves under an existing lease (MTM 97988) operated by Signal Peak Energy. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Signal Peak Energy, the company operating the Bull Mountains Mine, which would gain expedited approval to extract coal from federal lands. It also impacts Montana's economy and coal industry workers.

Environmental groups and communities concerned about land use and environmental impacts may also be affected by expanded mining operations on public lands. **Current Status** S. 362 is currently in committee in the 119th Congress (2025-2026). It was sponsored by Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana) and has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. The bill involves environmental assessment and mining regulation, areas where there are often competing interests between energy development and environmental protection advocates.