Summary of HR 931: Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification

Purpose and Intent

HR 931 aims to facilitate the mining of certain Federal minerals in alignment with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification. This legislation seeks to authorize the extraction of coal reserves located in specific Federal lands in Musselshell County, Montana, thereby promoting resource development while adhering to previously established mining plans.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

1. Definition of the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification:

   • The term refers to Amendment 3 of the Bull Mountains Mine No. 1, which was approved by the Department of the Interior on November 18, 2020.

2. Authorization for Mining:

   • All Federal coal reserves leased under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988 are permitted to be mined in accordance with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification.

3. Approval Timeline:

   • The Secretary of the Interior is required to approve the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification within 30 days of the bill's enactment, ensuring no delays in the mining process.

4. Specific Land Description:

   • The bill specifies the Federal land to be mined, which comprises approximately 800 acres located in:
     • NE 1/4 of Section 8
     • SW 1/4 of Section 10
     • W 1/2, SE 1/4 of Section 22
   • These lands are situated in T. 6 N., R. 27 E., Montana Principal Meridian, Musselshell County, Montana.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of HR 931 include:
- Mining Companies: Entities involved in coal mining operations will gain access to the specified Federal lands, potentially increasing their production capacity.
- Local Economy: The mining activities may stimulate economic growth in the region through job creation and increased local revenue.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: February 4, 2025
• Referred to House Committee on Natural Resources: February 4, 2025
• Referred to Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources: May 13, 2025
• Subcommittee Hearings Held: May 20, 2025

Related Legislation

HR 931 has a companion bill, S 362, which may address similar objectives in the Senate.

Conclusion

HR 931 represents a legislative effort to streamline the mining process for Federal coal reserves in Montana, ensuring that established mining plans are adhered to while promoting economic development in the region. The bill's swift approval process aims to minimize delays in resource extraction, benefiting both the mining industry and the local economy.