Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025

This act helps communities clean up land and water harmed by old coal mines that were abandoned before 1977. It lets states make formal, written agreements with federal and state agencies to fix mine drainage. These agreements must include public notice and a local meeting, get a yes-or-no within 120 days from federal officials, and then become part of the state’s cleanup plan .

It also creates a way for states to partner with “Community Reclaimers” — people, nonprofits, or companies that want to help, did not cause the problem, and don’t have outstanding mining violations. The state must show it has the legal authority and funding, and it takes responsibility for costs or damages unless the partner acts with gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Projects need clear plans, cost estimates, and schedules; nearby and downstream landowners must get notice, and a public meeting must be held near the site before work starts. Limited recycling of old mine waste is allowed if it helps the cleanup and the money goes back into the project. This program runs through September 30, 2032 .

Key points

• Who is affected: States with mine cleanup programs, community groups and volunteers who want to help, landowners near abandoned mine sites, and towns with polluted streams from mine drainage .
• What changes: States can set written plans with agencies to tackle mine drainage; they can partner with qualified community reclaimers; the state assumes most liability; there is required public input; and federal decisions come within 120 days. Limited recycling of historic mine residue is allowed to help pay for cleanup .
• When: In effect until September 30, 2032.