Allows states to partner with nongovernmental groups to clean up abandoned coal mine land and polluted mine drainage, under state and federal agreements and approval by the Interior Department and EPA.

• Lets a state with an approved program enter memoranda of understanding with federal or state agencies to remediate mine drainage on abandoned mine land, subject to public review, a public meeting, and written responses to substantive comments.
• Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the EPA Administrator to approve or disapprove each memorandum within 120 days of submission.
• Allows the Secretary to approve Community Reclaimer projects, with the state assuming responsibility for costs or damages except those caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
• Limits reprocessing of recovered materials to historic mine residue, with proceeds used to defray remediation costs and reimburse federal agencies; the provisions expire September 30, 2032.

• Natural Resources Committee (House)
• Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Senate)

Environmental Protection