What does Preamble of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

This bill proposes a moratorium on certain Federal authorizations for mountaintop removal coal mining The moratorium would be in place until a health study is conducted The bill was introduced to the House of Representatives and referred to several committees

What does SHORT TITLE. of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Appalachian Communities Health Equity Act of 2025

What does FINDINGS. of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines findings related to mountaintop removal coal mining and its potential health impacts. Communities near mountaintop removal mining sites in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia have expressed concerns about pollution affecting their health. Scientific research suggests elevated risks of birth defects, including circulatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal issues, are associated with mountaintop removal mining. Mountaintop removal mining is linked to increased hospitalizations for chronic pulmonary disorders and hypertension, as well as higher rates of mortality, lung cancer, and kidney disease. The findings indicate a need for immediate action, including halting new permits and increasing monitoring at existing sites while health agencies investigate the reported links. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is identified as uniquely qualified to manage a working group to study these links.

What does HEALTH STUDY. of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

This section mandates a study on the health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining. The Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will conduct or support this study, consulting with the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies as needed. The study will focus on individuals residing near mountaintop removal coal mining projects. The Director will submit a report of the study's results to the Secretary and make it publicly available. Following receipt of the report, the Secretary will publish a determination on the website of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding any health risks associated with mountaintop removal coal mining.

What does MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL COAL MINING FEDERAL AUTHORIZATION of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

No Federal authorization may be issued for mountaintop removal coal mining projects until a determination is made on health risks. The moratorium applies to new projects and expansions of existing projects. Multiple federal agencies are affected, including the Army, EPA, and Interior.

What does MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL COAL MINING MONITORING. of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a monitoring requirement for mountaintop removal coal mining projects. Project operators must continuously monitor water, air, and noise pollution, and consistently monitor soil pollution. Operators must identify pollution resulting from the project and potential exposure pathways for nearby communities. Monitoring results must be submitted to the Secretary on a monthly basis. The Secretary must make these results publicly available within seven days on the Department of Health and Human Services website in a searchable database. Failure to comply with monitoring or submission requirements may result in the denial or renewal of federal authorizations for the project. The requirements outlined in this section will terminate when the Secretary publishes a determination described in section 3(c).

What does FEDERAL COST FEE. of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

The Secretary of the Interior assesses and collects a one-time fee from certain coal mining projects. The fee recovers the Federal cost of implementing sections 3 and 5. Collected amounts may be used to pay the Federal cost of carrying out sections 3 and 5.

What does DEFINITIONS. of ACHE Act of 2025 do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Federal authorization” is defined as a permit, license, or other authorization issued by a Federal agency. “Mountaintop removal coal mining” is defined as surface coal mining using explosives in steep slope regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. “Steep slope” is defined by the meaning given in section 515(d)(4) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

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ACHE Act of 2025

Last updated: 7/24/2025 · Introduced: 7/23/2025

Author: Morgan McGarvey (D-KY)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill imposes a moratorium on federal authorizations for new mountaintop removal coal mining projects and expansions until a health study is conducted and a determination on health risks is made.
A health study will be conducted by the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate the potential health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining on nearby communities.
The bill establishes a monitoring requirement for existing mountaintop removal coal mining projects, mandating continuous monitoring of water, air, and noise pollution, and consistent monitoring of soil pollution, with results to be made publicly available.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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