To allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes.
Impact
The bill is poised to have significant implications for state laws concerning land use and resource extraction. By streamlining the process for mining Federal coal reserves, HB931 may ease regulatory burdens that currently hinder timely approvals of such mining activities. Proponents argue that this will enhance local economic development, create jobs, and enable the efficient use of natural resources. However, this has been met with concerns from environmental advocates who worry about the potential impacts on land and water resources, as mining can have detrimental effects on the local ecology.
Summary
House Bill 931 aims to authorize the mining of specific Federal minerals located in Montana, consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification. This plan supports continued development of the Bull Mountains Mine by allowing coal reserves leased under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988 to be mined. Upon enactment, the Secretary of the Interior is required to approve the modification of the mining plan without delay to facilitate operations on the designated Federal land, which encompasses approximately 800 acres in Musselshell County, Montana.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill revolve around its environmental implications. Opponents are likely to raise concerns about the impacts of coal mining on air and water quality, as well as the broader environmental impact of increased fossil fuel extraction in a time of growing emphasis on sustainable energy practices. The potential for local communities to face adverse effects from mining operations may provoke public debate and calls for further regulatory oversight, emphasizing the tension between economic development and environmental stewardship.
To authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to the Quapaw Nation and certain members of the Quapaw Nation in accordance with the recommendation of the United States Court of Federal Claims, and for other purposes.
Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023 This bill expedites the review of mining projects on federal lands and limits judicial review of mining projects. For example, the bill expands the federal permitting and review processes under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for critical minerals. Under the act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, to the maximum extent practicable, must complete the federal permitting and review processes related to critical mineral mines on federal lands with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This bill expands this process to include all minerals as defined by the bill, not only critical minerals. The bill also establishes deadlines for completing the review of mining projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, the bill also expands the meaning of covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to include (1) certain mineral production projects, and (2) certain actions taken by the Department of Defense. Such projects qualify for expedited environmental review. It also establishes requirements to expedite the review or authorization of certain mineral projects, such as (1) mineral exploration activities with a surface disturbance of no more than five acres of public lands, (2) ancillary mining activities, and (3) uranium projects. Finally, the bill limits judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by a lead agency for a mining project by requiring the filing of claims within a certain time period.