What does Preamble of Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026 do?

This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. The stated purpose is to protect taxpayers from liability related to surface coal mining reclamation. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 26, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026.

What does SURFACE COAL MINING BONDING. of Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 509 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 regarding bonding requirements. It establishes an alternative bonding system allowing the Secretary to approve systems that achieve bonding program objectives without increasing financial risk to the Federal or State governments. States seeking approval of an alternative bonding system must submit a report detailing bond forfeitures, reclamation costs, and a 5-year financial forecast. The section prohibits the acceptance of self-bonds (an applicant bonding itself) for new permits, effective upon enactment. Existing self-bonds must be replaced with other acceptable forms of bond by the permit renewal or major modification date. State regulatory authorities must amend their programs to remove self-bonding authority and require replacement of existing self-bonds. The Secretary is directed to issue rules within one year limiting surety bonds to minimize financial risk to the government, including limitations on corporate surety bond percentages and collateralization requirements. Real property used as collateral is restricted, excluding items directly related to coal mining operations. The Secretary must re-evaluate the value of nonliquid collateral every three years. The Secretary may require the inclusion of executive compensation as collateral.

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Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/26/2026 · Introduced: 5/26/2026

Author: Summer Lee (D-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes an alternative bonding system for surface coal mining, allowing states to propose systems that meet reclamation objectives without increasing financial risk to the government.
It prohibits new self-bonds for coal mining permits and requires existing self-bonds to be replaced with alternative forms of surety.
The bill directs the Secretary to issue rules limiting surety bond financial risks, including restrictions on collateral and periodic re-evaluation of collateral value.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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