H.R. 6233 would authorize states with abandoned mine reclamation plans approved by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to enter into agreements with the federal government to reduce water pollution caused by abandoned mines through 2030. The bill also would allow individuals or groups to participate in abandoned mine cleanup projects if states assume liability on behalf of those entities. Under the bill, states and other parties conducting water treatments under those agreements would not be required to meet water quality standards under the Clean Water Act.
Additionally, H.R. 6233 would authorize individuals or groups participating in mine cleanup to sell reprocessed materials recovered during remediation work. Any reprocessing would need to be approved in the applicable abandoned mine reclamation plan and the proceeds would need to be used to pay for the costs of activities under the bill.
