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H.R.4248 / 116th Congress

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2019

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 501.

Official summary

Version 08 · Reported to House, Part I · Dec 2, 2020

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2019

This bill reauthorizes the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund fees and expands the payments from the fund for abandoned coal mine cleanups.

Specifically, the bill

authorizes the Department of the Interior to reimburse states and tribal governments from the fund for the emergency restoration, reclamation, abatement, control, or prevention of adverse effects of coal mining practices;

extends the authority for Interior to collect reclamation fees through FY2036;

increases from $3 million to $5 million the minimum amount of funds that Interior must award annually to certain states and Indian tribes that have an approved abandoned mine reclamation program; and

exempts certain payments from budget sequestration and requires Interior to disburse previously sequestered amounts to states and tribes.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8] · D–PA

Committees

  • Budget Committee
  • Natural Resources Committee
29 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 501.

  2. Committee on the Budget discharged.

  3. Committee on the Budget discharged.

  4. Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 116-609, Part I.

  5. Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 116-609, Part I.

  6. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

  7. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  8. Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged.

  9. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  10. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

  11. Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  12. Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  13. Introduced in House

  14. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.4248 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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