Us Congress House Bill HB2175

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, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Regulation and Technology for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The implications of HB 2175 are significant for state laws concerning mining operations, environmental protection, and land reclamation efforts. By limiting the funds available to the Office of Surface Mining, the bill could hinder efforts to manage and rehabilitate lands affected by mining operations. This may lead to increased environmental degradation if adequate resources are not allocated for oversight and enforcement of reclamation projects, which are essential to mitigate the long-term historical impacts of mining on landscapes and ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill 2175 aims to impose a limitation on the availability of funds for the U.S. Department of Interior, specifically for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, for the fiscal year 2024. The bill proposes a funding cap of $115,804,000, which would affect the operational capabilities of the Office regarding surface mining activities, including reclamation efforts aimed at restoring mined land to a natural or economically usable state. This cap is a part of ongoing federal budget considerations, reflecting priority shifts in environmental regulation and enforcement funding.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding the funding limitations within HB 2175. Advocates for environmental conservation and responsible mining practices may argue against the bill, stating that funding cuts will lead to inadequate compliance with environmental standards and insufficient rehabilitation of mined lands. On the other hand, proponents may defend the bill as a necessary measure to control federal spending, emphasizing fiscal responsibility over expansive bureaucratic funding, thereby reflecting a broader legislative debate on the role of federal agencies in managing state and local environmental concerns.