RECLAIM Act of 2017
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (19 Oct 2017): Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 255.
What this bill does
The RECLAIM Act of 2017, H.R. 1731, aims to provide funds to states and Indian tribes for economic revitalization in communities affected by past coal mining. Specifically, it would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to make $200 million available annually from 2017 through 2021 for projects that reclaim and restore land and water resources impacted by coal mining that occurred before August 3, 1977.
These funds would be used for projects that contribute to future economic or community development, are located in economically distressed communities impacted by declining coal mining, and have involved collaboration with stakeholders and public input. The bill also includes provisions for a study on the use of these funds and creates an initiative within the Appalachian Regional Commission to support projects on reclaimed or restorable lands.
H.R. 1731 was introduced in the House of Representatives in March 2017. The bill was ordered to be reported with an amendment by voice vote in June 2017, meaning it has passed through a committee and is awaiting further action by the full House of Representatives. As it was introduced in a previous session of Congress, it did not receive a vote.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2017 or the RECLAIM Act of 2017
This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) to make specified funds available to the Department of the Interior through FY2021 for distribution to states and Indian tribes to promote economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining carried out before August 3, 1977.
The bill prescribes general requirements for projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and waters that are likely to create favorable conditions for the economic development of the project site or promote the general welfare through economic and community development of the area in which the project is conducted. Any such project shall be located in a community affected by a recent decline in mining.
A state or Indian tribe that receives funds under this bill may retain a portion of them as necessary to supplement its acid mine drainage abatement and treatment fund for future operation and maintenance costs for the treatment of acid mine drainage associated with individual projects.
The bill increases the minimum amount of funds that Interior must provide annually to states and Indian tribes for reclamation and restoration projects.
The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study on the use of funds authorized by this bill.
The Appalachian Regional Commission may provide grants to individuals or entities in the Appalachian region for projects that have been or that are eligible to be reclaimed or restored under SMCRA. The commission must relocate its headquarters from Washington, DC to the Appalachian region.
Timeline
19 Oct 2017
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 255.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1731 do?
- The RECLAIM Act of 2017, H.R. 1731, aims to provide funds to states and Indian tribes for economic revitalization in communities affected by past coal mining. Specifically, it would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to make $200 million available annually from 2017 through 2021 for projects that reclaim and restore land and water resources impacted by coal mining that occurred before August 3, 1977. These funds would be used for projects that contribute to future economic or community development, are located in economically distressed communities impacted by declining coal mining, and have involved collaboration with stakeholders and public input. The bill also includes provisions for a study on the use of these funds and creates an initiative within the Appalachian Regional Commission to support projects on reclaimed or restorable lands. H.R. 1731 was introduced in the House of Representatives in March 2017. The bill was ordered to be reported with an amendment by voice vote in June 2017, meaning it has passed through a committee and is awaiting further action by the full House of Representatives. As it was introduced in a previous session of Congress, it did not receive a vote.
- Has H.R. 1731 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1731. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1731?
- H.R. 1731 was sponsored by Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5] (R-KY), with 40 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1731?
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 255. (19 Oct 2017).
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