Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Reform Act of 2005
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 13, 2005
Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to repeal the authorization that certain moneys in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund may be used: (1) by the Secretary of Agriculture for reclamation of rural lands; and (2) by the Department of the Interior for studies by contract with organizations for advice and research and development projects technical assistance.
Reduces the reclamation fee required to be paid by operators of coal mining operations.
Revises Fund allocation requirements with respect to reclamation fees.
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Repeals Fund objectives concerning: (1) protection , construction, or enhancement of public facilities affected by coal mining practices; and (2) development of publicly owned land adversely affected by coal mining practices, including land acquired for recreation and historic purposes, conservation, reclamation, and open space.
Expands certification guidelines to prescribe payments to: (1) qualified States and Indian tribes; and (2) non-qualified States and Indian tribes.
Prescribes procedural guidelines for transfers of interest earned by the Fund to: (1) the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund; (2) the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan; and (3) a specified multiemployer health benefit plan.
Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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