This bill authorizes the mining of specific federal coal reserves in Montana, as outlined in the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and mandates the Secretary of the Interior to approve the plan within 30 days.
Troy Downing
Representative
MT-2
This bill authorizes the mining of federal coal reserves on 800 acres in Musselshell County, Montana, under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988, as outlined in the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to approve this modification within 30 days of the bill's enactment, without alterations or delays, to facilitate mining on the specified federal land.
Federal Coal Mining in Montana Greenlit: 30-Day Approval for Bull Mountains Mine Expansion
This bill fast-tracks the expansion of coal mining operations at the Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 in Montana. Specifically, it authorizes the mining of federal coal reserves on 800 acres in Musselshell County, as detailed in the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification (Amendment 3, approved on November 18, 2020). The bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior to approve this plan within 30 days of the bill's enactment, without any changes or delays. (SEC. 1)
Fast Track to Mining
The core of this legislation is the rapid approval process. By requiring the Secretary of the Interior to rubber-stamp the existing mining plan modification within 30 days, the bill effectively bypasses the usual checks and balances. This means less time for environmental impact assessments or adjustments that might typically be required. The bill states that the approval should happen "without changes or delays," limiting the ability to address potential environmental concerns that might arise. (SEC. 1)
Real-World Rollout
For folks working at or near the Bull Mountains Mine, this likely means an uptick in activity and potentially more job openings. However, for those concerned about the environmental impact of coal mining, this bill raises red flags. It sets a precedent: future mining operations might also seek this kind of expedited approval, potentially sidestepping thorough environmental reviews. Think of it like getting a building permit without a full inspection – quicker, yes, but potentially risky down the line. (SEC. 1)
The Big Picture
This bill is all about prioritizing coal production. While it could boost local employment and generate revenue, it does so at the potential expense of environmental safeguards. Normally, there would be a more extended review process for such a plan. This bill, however, limits the Secretary of Interior to simply greenlighting a pre-approved plan. This approach raises questions about balancing economic interests with long-term environmental sustainability. It also sets a precedent for how future mining projects on federal lands might be handled – and whether environmental considerations will take a backseat. (SEC. 1)