Us Congress House Bill HB2176

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

By capping the funds available for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, HB2176 reflects a broader legislative trend prioritizing fiscal restraint. This limitation could result in delayed or scaled-back efforts in reclaiming abandoned mines, which are often critical to restoring ecosystems and eliminating hazards for local communities. The implications of this restriction may affect not only environmental restoration efforts but also local economies dependent on those reclamation activities, leading to potential job losses or decreased investment in affected regions.

Summary

House Bill 2176 aims to impose a limitation on the availability of funds appropriated to the U.S. Department of Interior, specifically for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund for the fiscal year 2024. The bill proposes a cap of $24,672,000, which represents a significant regulatory approach to managing federal funds allocated for the reclamation of abandoned mines. This limited funding may impact ongoing and future reclamation projects across various states, emphasizing the importance of resource allocation in environmental management.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate regarding the balance between budget management and environmental responsibility. Proponents argue that fiscal constraints are necessary to manage federal spending effectively, while critics contend that such limitations threaten essential environmental initiatives. Stakeholders, including environmental advocacy groups and local governments, may raise concerns about the long-term consequences of reduced funding for mine reclamation efforts, stressing that inadequate financial resources can undermine public safety and environmental health.