WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 825

Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Fund; surface mining pool bond fees.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Travis Hackworth

SB 825 adjusts coal surface mining bond fees in Virginia to modify operator financial obligations and reclamation fund contributions.

Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 825

Legislative bill overview

SB 825 modifies Virginia's coal surface mining reclamation requirements by adjusting fees into the state's Surface Mining Pool Bond program. The bill appears to restructure how surface mining operators fund reclamation obligations through bonding mechanisms. This involves changes to financial requirements that coal companies must meet to conduct surface mining operations in Virginia.

Why is this important

Coal surface mining leaves landscapes significantly altered, and reclamation bonds ensure operators have financial resources to restore mined land. The fee structure directly affects the cost of doing business for coal companies, state revenue for reclamation work, and whether sufficient funds exist if operators default. Virginia has substantial coal mining regions where reclamation is an ongoing environmental and economic issue.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry cost impact: Higher or restructured fees increase operational costs for coal companies, potentially affecting profitability and employment in mining regions
  • Adequacy of reclamation funding: Changes to bond requirements may either under-fund or over-fund actual reclamation needs, affecting environmental outcomes and state finances
  • Competitive positioning: Fee changes could affect Virginia's coal industry competitiveness relative to other coal-producing states with different bonding requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.