Summary: Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make loan guarantees to certain large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities to produce liquid transportation fuel; (2) establish a loan program to pay the federal share of the cost of obtaining services necessary for the planning, permitting, and construction of a coal-to-liquid facility; and (3) promulgate regulations for development of coal-to-liquid manufacturing facilities on federal land. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to instruct the Secretaries of Energy and of Defense to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and suitability of maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Reserve). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) construct storage facilities in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base; and (2) place coal-to-liquid products in storage in the Reserve. Authorizes the use of certain funds by the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test, qualify, and procure synthetic fuels developed from coal for aviation jet use. Amends Armed Forces law to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into agreements to develop and operate coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research and demonstration program to evaluate the emissions of the use of Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an income tax credit for investment in coal-to-liquid fuels projects; (2) taxpayer election to expense certain coal-to-liquid fuels facilities; (3) an extension of the alternative fuel credit for fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process; (4) an enhanced credit for certain projects using qualified carbon dioxide; and (5) an enhanced oil, natural gas, and coalbed methane recovery, and capture and sequestration credit against the alternative minimum tax.

coal liquid fuel promotion act amends energy policy act instruct secretary energy loan guarantees certain large scale coal liquid facilities produce liquid transportation fuel establish loan program pay federal share cost obtaining services necessary planning permitting construction coal liquid facility promulgate regulations development coal liquid manufacturing facilities federal land amends energy_policy_and_conservation_act instruct study report congress feasibility suitability maintaining coal liquid products authorizes secretary construct storage facilities vicinity pipeline infrastructure military base place coal liquid products storage reserve authorizes use certain funds continue support efforts test qualify procure synthetic fuels developed coal aviation jet use amends armed forces law authorize secretary defense enter agreements develop operate coal liquid facilities near military installations instructs secretary energy implement research demonstration program evaluate emissions use fischer-tropsch transportation fuel including diesel jet fuel amends internal revenue code allow income tax credit investment coal liquid fuels projects taxpayer election expense certain coal liquid fuels facilities extension alternative fuel credit fuel derived coal fischer tropsch process enhanced credit certain projects qualified carbon dioxide enhanced oil natural gas coalbed methane recovery capture sequestration credit alternative minimum tax


Summary: Amends Federal highway law to authorize the State of West Virginia to allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 126,000 pounds for the hauling of coal and coal by-products on Interstate Route 77 in Kanawha County, West Virginia, between Exits 85 and 97.

amends federal highway law authorize state west_virginia allow special permit operation vehicles gross vehicle weight pounds hauling coal coal products interstate route west_virginia


Summary: America's Domestic Fuels Act - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to provide grants to states to conduct research to expedite the use of coal gasification as an energy source in ethanol production. Requires at least one pilot project receiving such assistance to be fueled by coal gasification and to be located in an area with high sulfur bituminous coal reserves.

america domestic fuels secretary energy provide grants states conduct research expedite use coal gasification energy source ethanol production requires pilot project receiving assistance fueled coal gasification located area high sulfur bituminous coal reserves


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refund a portion of the excise tax paid by certain coal producers on coal exported to a foreign country or shipped to a U.S. possession after October 1, 1990.

directs secretary treasury refund portion excise tax paid certain coal producers coal exported foreign country shipped possession october


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "refined coal" for purposes of the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources to include coal produced from a qualified coal waste sludge recycling process. Defines "qualified coal waste sludge recycling process" as a process using a facility to liquefy coal waste sludge and distribute the liquefied coal waste sludge on the coal to create a feedstock for the manufacture of coke.

amends internal revenue code expand definition refined coal purposes tax credit electricity produced certain renewable resources include coal produced qualified coal waste sludge recycling process defines qualified coal waste sludge recycling process process facility coal waste sludge distribute liquefied coal waste sludge coal create feedstock manufacture coke


Summary: Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Marketing Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to auction to the public, from time to time, coal-to-liquid fuel put option contracts having expiration dates of five years, 10 years, 15 years, or 20 years.

coal liquid fuel marketing act instructs secretary treasury auction public time time coal liquid fuel option contracts having expiration dates years years years years


Summary: Soledad Canyon Mine Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to cancel Bureau of Land Management mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 and withdraw from further mineral entry the areas subject to them, which are located in Soledad Canyon adjacent to Santa Clarita, California.Requires Transit Mixed Concrete Corporation to receive, as compensation for cancellation of the contracts, their fair market value and its expenditures and covered liabilities in trying to bring the contracts into commercial production.Increases the adjusted basis of the contracts upon cancellation for federal tax purposes.Directs the Secretary, before any disposition of land, mineral or surface estate for any area located in the city of Victorville, California, to: (1) consult with the city and surface owners; and (2) prohibit mining in such area.

soledad canyon act instructs secretary interior cancel bureau_of_land_management mineral contracts ca-20139 ca-22901 withdraw mineral entry areas subject located soledad canyon adjacent california requires transit mixed concrete corporation receive compensation cancellation contracts fair market value expenditures covered liabilities trying bring contracts commercial production increases adjusted basis contracts cancellation federal tax purposes directs secretary disposition land mineral surface estate area located city california consult city surface owners prohibit mining area


Summary: Clean Coal-Derived Fuels for Energy Security Act of 2008 - Directs the President to promulgate regulations to ensure that aviation fuel, motor vehicle fuel, home heating oil, and boiler fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States, on an annual average basis, contains the applicable volume of clean coal-derived fuel, determined in accordance with this Act. Exempts small refineries from compliance with such regulations until 2018. Directs the Secretary of Energy to study and report to the President and Congress on whether compliance with the requirements of this Act would impose a disproportionate economic hardship on small refineries. Requires the President to extend such exemption if it would. Allows a small refinery to: (1) petition the President for an exemption at any time for the reason of disproportionate economic hardship; and (2) opt-in and be subject to such regulations if it notifies the President that it waives the exemption.

clean coal derived fuels energy security act directs president promulgate regulations ensure aviation fuel motor vehicle fuel home heating oil boiler fuel sold introduced commerce united_states annual average basis contains applicable volume clean coal derived fuel determined accordance act exempts small refineries compliance regulations directs secretary energy study report president congress compliance requirements act impose disproportionate economic hardship small refineries requires president extend exemption allows small refinery petition president exemption time reason disproportionate economic hardship opt subject regulations notifies president waives exemption


Summary: Carbon Reduction Technology Bridge Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) seven-year amortization of mechanical or electronic systems that are installed on a coal-fired electric generation unit after 2007 and that reduce carbon dioxide emissions; (2) a tax credit for the production of electricity using closed-loop biomass co-fired with coal; (3) a tax credit for investment in qualified clean coal electric generation units; (4) a tax credit for investment in carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage property which is part of a qualified coal-fired electric generation unit; and (5) a tax credit for investment in clean energy coal bonds.

amends internal revenue code allow seven year amortization mechanical electronic systems installed coal fired electric generation unit reduce carbon dioxide emissions tax credit production electricity closed loop biomass fired coal tax credit investment qualified clean coal electric generation units tax credit investment carbon dioxide capture transport storage property qualified coal fired electric generation unit tax credit investment clean energy coal bonds


Summary: Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include among the projects eligible for Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities that use a feedstock, the majority of which is domestic coal resources, to produce at least 10,000 barrels a day of liquid transportation fuel. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to make loans for use by recipients to pay the federal share of the cost of obtaining any services necessary for the planning, permitting, and construction of coal-to-liquid facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to support the development of coal-to-liquid manufacturing facilities and associated infrastructure on DOE and other federal lands, including military bases and military installations closed or realigned under the defense base closure and realignment. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretaries of Energy and of Defense to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and suitability of maintaining coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (Reserve). Authorizes the Secretary to construct storage facilities in the vicinity of pipeline infrastructure and at least one military base. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to acquire, place in storage, transport, or exchange coal-to-liquid products in the Reserve. Authorizes the use of certain funds by the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test, qualify, and procure synthetic fuels developed from coal for aviation jet use. Amends federal law governing Armed Forces fuel procurement to authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into agreements with private companies to develop and operate coal-to-liquid facilities on or near military installations. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a research and demonstration program to evaluate the emissions of the use of Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel.

coal liquid fuel energy act amends energy policy act include projects eligible department_of_energy doe loan guarantees large scale coal liquid facilities use feedstock majority domestic coal resources produce barrels day liquid transportation fuel instructs secretary energy secretary loans use recipients pay federal share cost obtaining services necessary planning permitting construction coal liquid facilities directs secretary promulgate regulations support development coal liquid manufacturing facilities associated infrastructure doe federal lands including military bases military installations closed realigned defense base closure realignment amends energy_policy_and_conservation_act direct study report congress feasibility suitability maintaining coal liquid products authorizes secretary construct storage facilities vicinity pipeline infrastructure military base amends energy_policy_and_conservation_act authorize secretary acquire place storage transport exchange coal liquid products reserve authorizes use certain funds continue support efforts test qualify procure synthetic fuels developed coal aviation jet use amends federal law governing armed_forces fuel procurement authorize secretary defense enter agreements private companies develop operate coal liquid facilities near military installations instructs secretary energy implement research demonstration program evaluate emissions use fischer-tropsch transportation fuel including diesel jet fuel


Summary: Clean Coal Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require a new coal-fired electric generating unit (including a cogeneration facility) that commences construction on or after April 26, 2007, to meet, without interruption throughout the lifetime operation of the unit, a standard of performance that, at a minimum, requires the unit to produce not more than 285 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour for supply to the grid.Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise such standard to reduce the maximum rate of carbon dioxide emissions if a reduced level is achievable through the application of the best technological system of continuous emission reduction demonstrated at the time of the revision.Provides that carbon dioxide that is injected into a geological formation in a manner that prevents the release of the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere shall not be counted as emissions discharged from a unit for purposes of meeting the standard.

clean coal act amends clean air act require new coal fired electric generating unit including facility commences construction april meet interruption lifetime operation unit standard performance minimum requires unit produce pounds carbon dioxide megawatt hour supply grid requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa revise standard reduce maximum rate carbon dioxide emissions reduced level achievable application best technological system continuous emission reduction demonstrated time revision provides carbon dioxide injected geological formation manner prevents release carbon dioxide atmosphere shall counted emissions discharged unit purposes meeting standard


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the definition of "refined coal" for purposes of the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources to include certain emission reduction certification requirements.

amends internal revenue code modify definition refined coal purposes tax credit producing electricity renewable resources include certain emission reduction certification requirements


Summary: Authorizes the state of West Virginia to allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 126,000 pounds for the hauling of coal and coal by-products on Interstate Route 77 in Kanawha County, West Virginia, between Exits 85 and 97.

authorizes state west_virginia allow special permit operation vehicles gross vehicle weight pounds hauling coal coal products interstate route west_virginia


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit for 30% of the basis of an eligible lightweight coal freight car. Defines "eligible lightweight coal freight car" as any freight car: (1) designed to carry coal by rail; (2) the tare weight of which does not exceed 50,000 pounds; and (3) substantially all of the manufacturing of which occurred in the United States. Terminates such credit after 2013.

amends internal revenue code allow general business tax credit basis eligible lightweight coal freight car defines eligible lightweight coal freight car freight car designed carry coal rail weight exceed pounds substantially manufacturing occurred united_states terminates credit


Summary: Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act of 2010 or CARE Act - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 with respect to transfers of interest earned by the Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Fund. Requires the transfer during any fiscal year to the trustees of the 1974 United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Pension Plan, to be used solely to pay pension benefits under such plan, of certain excess funds remaining after: (1) transfer from the AMR Fund to the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund; and (2) application of the annual $490 million cap on such transfers.

coal accountability retired employee act surface mining control reclamation act respect transfers interest earned fund requires transfer fiscal year trustees united_mine_workers_of_america umwa pension plan solely pay pension benefits plan certain excess funds remaining transfer application annual million cap transfers


Summary: Foreign Oil Displacement Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for investment in a carbonaceous fuels facility; (2) allow a new 30% tax credit for investment in a carbonaceous fuels conversion facility; and (3) exempt from the manufacturer's excise tax on fuels carbonaceous fuel or any portion of a blend that is carbonaceous fuel. Defines "carbonaceous fuels conversion facility" as a facility for producing fuels from nonconventional sources using coal, including peat and any byproduct (including synthetic gas) or chemical that is from a coal, culm, or silt preparation facility and that contains fixed carbon derived from coal.

foreign oil displacement act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit investment fuels facility allow new tax credit investment fuels conversion facility exempt manufacturer excise tax fuels fuel portion blend fuel defines fuels conversion facility facility producing fuels nonconventional sources coal including peat byproduct including synthetic gas chemical coal preparation facility contains fixed carbon derived coal


Summary: IDA Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to qualified entities for individual development accounts from funds authorized to be appropriated in FY2011 and FY2012. Provides that: (1) the rules applicable to such grants shall be similar to the rules of the Assets for Independence Act; and (2) funds for such grants shall be supplemental to other federal, state, and local funding for such accounts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for income attributable to the sale, exchange, or other disposition of coal, other hard mineral fossil fuels (including lignite and oil shale), or any primary product thereof.

ida protection act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants qualified entities individual development accounts funds authorized appropriated fy2011 fy2012 provides rules applicable grants shall similar rules assets independence act funds grants shall supplemental federal state local funding accounts amends internal revenue code deny tax deduction income attributable sale exchange disposition coal hard mineral fossil fuels including lignite oil shale primary product thereof


Summary: Electricity Reliability Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Corps of Engineers, or the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Department of the Interior to implement, administer, or enforce any policy or procedure set forth in either the memorandum entitled "Enhanced Surface Coal Mining Pending Permit Coordination Procedures" or the EPA guidance entitled "Improving EPA Review of Appalachian Surface Coal Mining Operations under the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Environmental Justice Executive Order," until the EPA, the Corps of Engineers, or OSMRE promulgates regulations to implement it after providing notice and an opportunity for comment in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

electricity reliability protection act prohibits use funds available environmental_protection_agency epa corps_of_engineers office_of_surface_mining_reclamation_and_enforcement osmre department_of_the_interior implement administer enforce policy procedure set forth memorandum entitled enhanced surface coal mining pending permit coordination procedures epa guidance entitled improving epa review appalachian surface coal mining operations clean water act national_environmental_policy_act epa corps_of_engineers osmre promulgates regulations implement providing notice opportunity comment accordance administrative procedure act


Summary: Responsible Use of Coal Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory to carry out a research, development, and demonstration program to advance carbon capture and storage and coal power generation technologies. Requires such program to include a large-scale commercial demonstration program to evaluate the most promising carbon capture and storage technologies and research and development programs for carbon capture technologies, carbon dioxide storage, and advanced clean coal power generation technologies.

responsible use coal act requires director national_energy_technology_laboratory carry research development demonstration program advance carbon capture storage coal power generation technologies requires program include large scale commercial demonstration program evaluate promising carbon capture storage technologies research development programs carbon capture technologies carbon dioxide storage advanced clean coal power generation technologies


Summary: Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources to: (1) extend permanently the credit period for the production of steel industry fuel; (2) extend through 2011 the placed-in-service date requirement for refined coal production facilities; (3) revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow mixtures of petroleum coke in such fuel; and (4) set forth ownership requirements for coal production facilities for purposes of such tax credit.

amends internal revenue code provisions relating tax credit production electricity renewable resources extend permanently credit period production steel industry fuel extend placed service date requirement refined coal production facilities revise definition steel industry fuel allow mixtures petroleum coke fuel set forth ownership requirements coal production facilities purposes tax credit


Summary: Requires a publicly traded coal or other mine company that is required to file a periodic securities report with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) to include in the report: (1) the total number of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard for which the operator of the coal or other mine received a citation or order to comply from the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (2) a list of such coal or other mines that have received written notice of a pattern of such violations from the Administration; and (3) any pending legal action before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission involving such coal or other mine. Requires publicly traded coal or other mine companies to file a current report with the SEC on Form 8-K disclosing any receipt of: (1) an imminent danger order to shutdown issued by the Secretary of Labor; and (2) any written notice of a pattern of violations from the Administration.

requires publicly traded coal company required file periodic securities report sec include report total number violations mandatory health safety standards significantly contribute cause effect coal safety health hazard operator coal received citation order comply safety_and_health_administration list coal mines received written notice pattern violations administration pending legal action involving coal requires publicly traded coal companies file current report sec form disclosing receipt imminent danger order shutdown issued secretary labor written notice pattern violations administration


Summary: Coal Energy Bridge Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow seven-year amortization of mechanical or electronic systems that are installed on a coal-fired electric generation unit and that reduce carbon dioxide emissions; (2) allow a new 30% tax credit for investment in carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage property which is part of a qualified coal-fired electric generation unit; (3) expand the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration to allow for uses other than as tertiary injectants; and (4) allow a tax credit for investment in clean energy coal bonds.

coal energy bridge act amends internal revenue code allow seven year amortization mechanical electronic systems installed coal fired electric generation unit reduce carbon dioxide emissions allow new tax credit investment carbon dioxide capture transport storage property qualified coal fired electric generation unit expand tax credit carbon dioxide sequestration allow uses tertiary allow tax credit investment clean energy coal bonds


Summary: Steel Industry Support Act of 2011 - Amends Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources, to: (1) extend through FY2018 the credit period for the production of steel industry fuel; (2) extend through June 30, 2012, the placed-in-service date requirement for refined coal production facilities; (3) revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow mixtures of petroleum coke or other coke feedstock in such fuel; and (4) set forth ownership requirements for coal production facilities for purposes of such tax credit.

steel industry support act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit production electricity renewable resources extend fy2018 credit period production steel industry fuel extend june placed service date requirement refined coal production facilities revise definition steel industry fuel allow mixtures petroleum coke coke feedstock fuel set forth ownership requirements coal production facilities purposes tax credit


Summary: Supercritical Advanced Coal Project Incentive Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax credit for investment in qualifying advanced coal projects to include a credit for supercritical advanced coal-based generation technology projects. Defines such projects as including a coal-fired boiler that reaches an electricity generating efficiency of at least 36%, and operates at a minimum pressure of 3,200 pounds per square inch. Increases from $2.55 billion to $3.8 billion the aggregate amount of credits allowable for qualifying advanced coal projects, and includes within that aggregate amount a maximum $1.25 billion credit amount for supercritical advanced coal-based generation technology projects.

advanced coal project incentive act amends internal revenue code expand tax credit investment qualifying advanced coal projects include credit advanced coal based generation technology projects defines projects including coal fired boiler reaches electricity generating efficiency operates minimum pressure pounds square increases billion billion aggregate credits allowable qualifying advanced coal projects includes aggregate maximum billion credit advanced coal based generation technology projects


Summary: Appalachian Communities Health Emergency Act or the ACHE Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct or support comprehensive studies on the health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining on individuals in the surrounding communities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), upon receipt of a report on study results, to publish a determination of whether such mining presents any health risks to individuals in those communities. Defines "mountaintop removal coal mining" as surface coal mining that uses blasting with explosives in the steep slope regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia. Prohibits issuance of an authorization for any mountaintop removal coal mining project (or expansion), under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) or the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, until and unless the Secretary publishes a determination that such mining does not present any health risk to individuals in the surrounding communities. Imposes requirements for continuous monitoring of air, noise, and water pollution and frequent monitoring of soil until a determination by the Secretary is made. Assesses a one-time fee upon persons that conduct such mining projects, sufficient to cover the federal cost of the health studies and pollution monitoring required by this Act.

act requires director national_institute_of_environmental_health_sciences conduct support comprehensive studies health impacts removal coal mining individuals surrounding communities directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs receipt report study results publish determination mining presents health risks individuals communities defines removal coal mining surface coal mining uses explosives slope regions kentucky tennessee west_virginia virginia prohibits issuance authorization removal coal mining project expansion federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act secretary publishes determination mining present health risk individuals surrounding communities imposes requirements continuous monitoring air noise water pollution frequent monitoring soil determination secretary assesses time fee persons conduct mining projects sufficient cover federal cost health studies pollution monitoring required act


Summary: True Cost of Coal Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a $10 per ton excise tax on the extraction of coal; (2) establish in the Treasury the Coal Mitigation Trust Fund to hold revenues from such tax; and (3) extend to 50 years the recovery period, for depreciation purposes, for specified coal port property used for the export of coal. Allows expenditures from the Coal Mitigation Trust Fund to assist states in mitigating noise, vibration, traffic delays, pollution and other threats to public health, and emergencies in connection with the transportation of coal by rail, and to provide worker adjustment assistance. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to issue regulations to require all rail cars transporting coal to be covered or to incorporate a suitable alternative technology to ensure that coal and coal dust do not escape during transportation.

true cost coal act amends internal revenue code impose ton excise tax extraction coal establish treasury hold revenues tax extend years recovery period depreciation purposes specified coal port property export coal allows expenditures coal mitigation trust fund assist states mitigating noise traffic delays pollution threats public health emergencies connection transportation coal rail provide worker adjustment assistance directs secretary transportation dot issue regulations require rail cars transporting coal covered incorporate suitable alternative technology ensure coal coal dust escape transportation


Summary: Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to extend a state's shield from federal liability (except for gross negligence or intentional misconduct) for costs or damages incurred as a result of actions taken or omitted while implementing a state abandoned mine reclamation plan to include a state's own reclamation activities conducted pursuant to an approved plan.

amends surface mining control reclamation act extend state shield federal liability gross negligence intentional misconduct costs damages incurred result actions taken omitted implementing state abandoned reclamation plan include state reclamation activities conducted pursuant approved plan


Summary: Niblack Mining Area Road Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to establish a road corridor that follows 1 of the 2 routes identified as "Niblack Route 1" or "Niblack Route 2" on the map entitled "Road to Niblack Mine," numbered 1, and dated June 21, 2012, to connect the Prince of Wales Island road system in Alaska to the area of the Niblack patented mineral claims on the southeast side of Prince of Wales Island. Sets forth requirements for such road corridor. Authorizes Alaska and the Prince of Wales Community Advisory Council to participate as cooperating agencies during the preparation of any environmental impact statement prepared with respect to the road corridor. Expresses the intent of Congress that any federal permit required for such road construction be issued or denied within one year after the date of the permit application.

secretary agriculture acting chief forest_service establish road corridor follows routes identified route route map entitled road numbered dated june connect prince wales island road system alaska area patented mineral claims southeast prince sets forth requirements road corridor participate cooperating agencies preparation environmental impact statement prepared respect road corridor expresses intent congress federal permit required road construction issued denied year date permit application


Summary:
Appalachian Communities Health Emergency Act or ACHE Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct or support comprehensive studies on the health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining on individuals in the surrounding communities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), upon receipt of a report on study results, to publish a determination of whether such mining presents any health risks to individuals in those communities. Defines "mountaintop removal coal mining" as surface coal mining that uses blasting with explosives in the steep slope regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Prohibits issuance of an authorization for any mountaintop removal coal mining project (or expansion), under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) or the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, until and unless the Secretary publishes a determination that such mining does not present any health risk to individuals in the surrounding communities. Imposes requirements for continuous monitoring of air, noise, and water pollution and frequent monitoring of soil until a determination by the Secretary is made.

Directs the President, acting through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement of the Department of the Interior, to assess a one-time fee upon persons that conduct such mining projects, sufficient to cover the federal cost of the health studies and pollution monitoring required by this Act.

director national_institute_of_environmental_health_sciences conduct support comprehensive studies health impacts removal coal mining individuals surrounding communities directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs receipt report study results publish determination mining presents health risks individuals communities defines removal coal mining surface coal mining uses explosives slope regions kentucky tennessee west_virginia virginia prohibits issuance authorization removal coal mining project expansion federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act secretary publishes determination mining present health risk individuals surrounding communities imposes requirements continuous monitoring air noise water pollution frequent monitoring soil determination secretary directs president acting assess time fee persons conduct mining projects sufficient cover federal cost health studies pollution monitoring required act


Summary:
Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2013 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) to authorize states to adopt and implement coal combustion residuals (CCRs) permit programs. Requires each state governor to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 6 months about whether such state will implement a program. Requires states that decide to implement a program to: (1) submit to the Administrator, within 36 months, a certification that the program meets the specifications of this Act; and (2) maintain either an approved municipal solid waste program or other system of prior approval and conditions under such Act for the control of hazardous disposal or an authorized state hazardous waste program. Requires the certification to include an emergency action plan for state response to a leak or spill at a structure that receives CCRs. Authorizes the state to update the certification as needed to reflect changes to the CCRs permit program. Establishes minimum requirements for CCRs permit programs.

Requires the revised criteria established by this Act to apply to owners or operators of structures, including surface impoundments, that receive CCRs. Directs the agency responsible for implementing such a program to require that an independent registered professional engineer certify that: (1) the design of each structure that receives CCRs is in accordance with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices for containment of the maximum volume of CCRs and liquids which can be impounded therein, and (2) the construction and maintenance of the structure will ensure structural stability.

Directs such agencies to require the owner or operator of a structure that receives CCRs and that is classified by the state as posing a high hazard potential pursuant to the guidelines published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), entitled "Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Hazard Potential Classification System for Dams," to prepare and maintain an emergency action plan that identifies responsible persons and actions to be taken in the event of a dam safety emergency.

Directs such agencies to require the inspection of such surface impoundment structures at least annually by an independent registered professional engineer to assure that the design, operation, and maintenance of the surface impoundment is in accordance with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices for containment of the maximum volume of CCRs and liquids that can be impounded, so as to ensure dam stability.

Directs such agencies to require: (1) the owner or operator of the structure that has had an inspection or evaluation that revealed a potentially hazardous condition to immediately take action to mitigate such condition and notify appropriate state and local first responders, (2) structures that are surface impoundments that receive CCRs to be periodically evaluated for appearances of structural weakness, (3) action to correct structural deficiencies according to a schedule determined by the agency, and (4) closing of a structure if such deficiencies are not corrected according to the schedule.

Directs such agencies to require structures to be constructed with a base located a minimum of two feet above the upper limit of the water table, unless it is demonstrated that: (1) the hydrogeologic characteristics of the structure and surrounding land would preclude such a requirement, and (2) the function and integrity of the liner system will not be adversely impacted by contact with the water table.

Directs such agencies to require that owners or operators of structures address wind dispersal of dust by requiring cover or by wetting CCRs with water to a moisture content that prevents wind dispersal, facilitates compaction, and does not result in free liquids. Authorizes owners or operators of structures to propose alternative methods to address wind dispersal of dust that will provide comparable or more effective control of dust.

Directs such agencies to require that owners and operators apply for and obtain a permit incorporating the requirements of the CCRs permit program.

Authorizes such agencies to: (1) obtain information for compliance purposes; (2) require monitoring and testing to ensure compliance; (3) inspect structures and review records relevant to the design, operation, and maintenance of structures; and (4) implement and enforce such program.

Sets forth revised criteria for such programs with respect to: (1) design, groundwater monitoring, corrective action, and closure and post-closure for structures; (2) location restrictions for structures in floodplains, wetlands, fault areas, seismic impact zones, and unstable areas; (3) air quality; (4) financial assurance; (5) surface water; (6) record keeping; (7) run-on and run-off control systems for landfills and other land-based units other than surface impoundments that receive CCRs; and (8) run-off control systems for surface impoundments that receive CCRs.

Requires states to notify owners and operators of such structures of the obligation to apply for and obtain a permit and the groundwater record keeping requirements no later than: (1) 12 months after a state submits a certification of a program under this Act, (2) 30 months after a state notifies the Administrator that it does not intend to develop such program, or (3) 36 months after the enactment of such program that is being implemented by the Administrator.

Directs such agencies to require such owners or operators to comply with such criteria and groundwater record keeping requirements no later than: (1) 12 months after a state submits its certification, (2) 42 months after the Administrator receives notice that a state will not operate its own permit program, or (3) 48 months after the enactment of such program that is being implemented by the Administrator.

Requires such agencies to issue a final permit incorporating the requirements of such program or final denial for an application no later than: (1) 48 months after the state submits its certification, (2) 78 months after the Administrator receives notice from a state that it does not intend to operate its own permit program, or (3) 84 months after the enactment of such program that is being implemented by the Administrator. Requires agency collaboration with a structure's owner or operator to identify a deadline by which a permit application must be submitted.

Authorizes owners and operators to continue to operate under existing authority: (1) until such deadlines are in effect, and (2) after such deadlines are in effect and before such agency has issued a final permit incorporating the requirements of such program if a structure meets such criteria and has not been directed to close.

Sets forth: (1) closure requirements for surface impoundments if they do not have specified liner systems and do not meet specified design criteria for municipal solid waste landfills, (2) deadlines for compliance with the groundwater protection standard for structures subject to corrective action; and (3) requirements for extending deadlines.

Requires the time period and method for a structure's closure to be set forth in a closure plan that establishes a deadline for completion and that takes into account the structure's site-specific characteristics. Directs the closure plan for a surface impoundment to require the removal of liquid and the stabilization of remaining waste as necessary to support the final cover.

Requires the Administrator to: (1) provide a state with notice of, and an opportunity to remedy, deficiencies; and (2) consider certain criteria in determining if a state program is deficient.

Requires the Administrator to implement such a program for a state only if: (1) the governor of the state notifies the Administrator that the state will not implement a program; (2) the state is notified of, but fails to remedy, program deficiencies; or (3) the state notifies the Administrator that it will no longer implement such a program. Authorizes a state to obtain review of a determination by the Administrator that the state has failed to remedy such deficiencies as if such determination was a final regulation.

Prohibits the Administrator from having concurrent enforcement authority when a state is implementing a CCRs permit program, unless assistance is provided at the request of the head of a lead state agency that is implementing the program.

Prohibits the Administrator from applying such programs to the utilization, placement, and storage of CCRs at surface mining and reclamation operations.

Prohibits this Act from being construed as affecting the authority of the Administrator under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) with respect to CCRs.

(Sec. 3) Prohibits this Act from being construed to: (1) alter the EPA regulatory determination, entitled "Notice of Regulatory Determination on Wastes from the Combustion of Fossil Fuels," that the fossil fuel combustion wastes addressed do not warrant regulation under SWDA; (2) affect the authority of a state to request, or the Administrator to provide, technical assistance under SWDA; or (3) affect the obligations of the owner or operator of a structure (as defined by SWDA) under the Federal Power Act concerning electric reliability.

coal residuals reuse management act sec amends solid waste disposal act authorize states adopt implement coal combustion residuals permit programs requires state governor notify administrator environmental_protection_agency epa months state implement program requires states decide implement program submit administrator months certification program meets specifications act maintain approved municipal solid waste program system prior approval conditions act control hazardous disposal authorized state hazardous waste program requires certification include emergency action plan state response leak spill structure receives authorizes state update certification needed reflect changes permit program establishes minimum requirements permit programs requires revised criteria established act apply owners operators structures including surface impoundments receive directs agency responsible implementing program require independent registered professional engineer certify design structure receives accordance recognized generally accepted good engineering practices containment maximum volume liquids construction maintenance structure ensure structural stability directs agencies require owner operator structure receives classified state posing high hazard potential pursuant guidelines published federal_emergency_management_agency fema entitled federal guidelines dam safety hazard potential classification system dams prepare maintain emergency action plan identifies responsible persons actions taken event dam safety emergency directs agencies require inspection surface impoundment structures annually independent registered professional engineer assure design operation maintenance surface impoundment accordance recognized generally accepted good engineering practices containment maximum volume liquids ensure dam stability directs agencies require owner operator structure inspection evaluation revealed potentially hazardous condition immediately action mitigate condition notify appropriate state local responders structures surface impoundments receive periodically evaluated appearances structural weakness action correct structural deficiencies according schedule determined agency closing structure deficiencies corrected according schedule directs agencies require structures constructed base located minimum feet upper limit water table demonstrated characteristics structure surrounding land preclude requirement function integrity system adversely impacted contact water table directs agencies require owners operators structures address wind dispersal dust requiring cover water moisture content prevents wind dispersal facilitates result free liquids authorizes owners operators structures propose alternative methods address wind dispersal dust provide comparable effective control dust directs agencies require owners operators apply obtain permit incorporating requirements permit program authorizes agencies obtain information compliance purposes require monitoring testing ensure compliance inspect structures review records relevant design operation maintenance structures implement enforce program sets forth revised criteria programs respect design groundwater monitoring corrective action closure post closure structures location restrictions structures floodplains wetlands fault areas seismic impact zones unstable areas air quality financial assurance surface water record keeping run run control systems landfills land based units surface impoundments receive run control systems surface impoundments receive requires states notify owners operators structures obligation apply obtain permit groundwater record keeping requirements later months state submits certification program act months state notifies administrator intend develop program months enactment program implemented administrator directs agencies require owners operators comply criteria groundwater record keeping requirements later months state submits certification months administrator receives notice state operate permit program months enactment program implemented administrator requires agencies issue final permit incorporating requirements program final denial application later months state submits certification months administrator receives notice state intend operate permit program months enactment program implemented administrator requires agency collaboration structure owner operator identify deadline permit application submitted authorizes owners operators continue operate existing authority deadlines effect deadlines effect agency issued final permit incorporating requirements program structure meets criteria directed close sets forth closure requirements surface impoundments specified systems meet specified design criteria municipal solid waste landfills deadlines compliance groundwater protection standard structures subject corrective action requirements extending deadlines requires time period method structure closure set forth closure plan establishes deadline completion takes account structure site specific characteristics directs closure plan surface impoundment require removal liquid stabilization remaining waste necessary support final cover requires administrator provide state notice opportunity remedy deficiencies consider certain criteria determining state program deficient requires administrator implement program state governor state notifies administrator state implement program state notified fails remedy program deficiencies state notifies administrator longer implement program authorizes state obtain review determination administrator state failed remedy deficiencies determination final regulation prohibits administrator having concurrent enforcement authority state implementing permit program assistance provided request head lead state agency implementing program prohibits administrator applying programs utilization placement storage surface mining reclamation operations prohibits act construed affecting authority administrator comprehensive environmental response compensation liability act cercla respect sec prohibits act construed alter epa regulatory determination entitled notice regulatory determination wastes fossil fuel combustion wastes addressed warrant regulation affect authority state request administrator provide technical assistance affect obligations owner operator structure defined federal power act concerning electric reliability


Summary:
True Cost of Coal Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a $10 per ton excise tax on the extraction of coal; (2) establish in the Treasury the Coal Mitigation Trust Fund to hold revenues from such tax; and (3) extend to 50 years the recovery period, for depreciation purposes, for specified coal port property used for the export of coal.

Allows expenditures from the Coal Mitigation Trust Fund to assist states in mitigating noise, vibration, traffic delays, pollution and other threats to public health, and emergencies in connection with the transportation of coal by rail, and to provide worker adjustment assistance.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to issue regulations to require all rail cars transporting coal to be covered or to incorporate a suitable alternative technology to ensure that coal and coal dust do not escape during transportation.


Summary: Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act of 2013 or the SENSE Act of 2013 - Makes certain emission limits for hydrogen chloride and sulfur dioxide, in regulations entitled "Emission Limits for Existing EGUs," inapplicable to an electric utility steam generating unit in the subcategory "Coal-fired unit not low rank virgin coal" if the unit: (1) is in operation as of the date of enactment of this Act, (2) utilizes circulating fluidized bed technology to convert coal refuse into energy, and (3) derives at least 75 percent of its heat input from coal refuse or is a qualifying small power production or cogeneration facility as defined by the Federal Power Act.

satisfying energy needs saving environment act sense act makes certain emission limits hydrogen chloride sulfur dioxide regulations entitled emission limits existing inapplicable electric utility steam generating unit subcategory coal fired unit low rank virgin coal unit operation date enactment act utilizes bed technology convert coal refuse energy derives percent heat input coal refuse qualifying small power production facility defined


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to retire any coal preference right lease application for which an affirmative commercial quantities determination has been made, by issuing bidding rights in exchange for relinquishment of the application, including payment to the relevant state of 50% of the dollar amount of any bidding right subsequently used in lieu of any monetary payment of a bonus in a coal lease sale or of rental or royalty under a federal coal lease.

Requires the Secretary to make such payments from revenues received under federal mineral leases.

Declares such bidding rights to be fully transferable to any other person.

Terminates a bidding right five years from its date of issue, not counting any period in which exercise of the bidding right is precluded by temporary injunctive relief granted under, or administrative, legislative, or judicial suspension of, the federal coal leasing program.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated authorizes secretary interior retire coal preference right lease application affirmative commercial quantities determination issuing bidding rights exchange relinquishment application including payment relevant state dollar bidding right subsequently lieu monetary payment bonus coal lease sale rental royalty federal coal lease requires secretary payments revenues received federal mineral leases declares bidding rights fully transferable person terminates bidding right years date issue counting period exercise bidding right precluded temporary injunctive relief granted administrative legislative judicial suspension federal coal leasing program


Summary: Petroleum Coke Transparency and Public Health Study Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to transmit to Congress, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, the results of a study, using the best available science, of petroleum coke that includes: (1) an analysis of the public health and environmental impacts of the production, transportation, storage, and use of petroleum coke; (2) an assessment of potential approaches and best practices for storing, transporting, and managing petroleum coke; and (3) a quantitative analysis of current and projected domestic petroleum coke production and utilization locations. Requires the Secretary to compile and publish on a publicly available website the results of such study.

petroleum coke transparency public health study act requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs transmit congress days enactment act results study best available science petroleum coke includes analysis public health environmental impacts production transportation storage use petroleum coke assessment potential approaches best practices storing transporting managing petroleum coke quantitative analysis current projected domestic petroleum coke production utilization locations requires secretary compile publish publicly available website results study


Summary:
Saving Coal Jobs Act of 2013 - Prohibits the head of a federal agency from promulgating any regulation relating to power sector carbon pollution standards or any substantially similar regulation on or after June 25, 2013, unless that regulation is explicitly authorized by Congress.

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act or CWA) to revise the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state acting pursuant to an equivalent approved state program (permitting authority) to base a determination on approving a new or renewed permit covering discharges from a structure only on compliance with regulations issued by such permitting authority. Prohibits such permitting authority from basing such determination on the extent of the permit applicant's adherence to guidance issued by the Administrator, including: (1) the comprehensive guidance issued by the Administrator and dated April 1, 2010, (2) the proposed guidance entitled "Draft Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act" and dated April 28, 2011, and (3) the final guidance proposed by the Administrator and dated July 21, 2011. Authorizes an applicant, if the permitting authority does not approve or deny an application for a new permit within 270 days after the date of receipt of an application, to operate as if the application were approved.

 Prohibits the Administrator from disapproving or withdrawing approval of a state permit program under NPDES based on: (1) the failure of such program to incorporate or comply with such guidance, or (2) the implementation of a water quality standard that has been adopted by the state and approved by the Administrator.

 Establishes environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for permits to discharge dredged or fill material into navigable waters.

 Removes the authority of the EPA to prohibit the specification, or restrict the use, of an area as a disposal site for discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the United States once the Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit for the discharge.

 Requires the Administrator: (1) before issuing a regulation, policy statement, guidance, response to a petition, or other requirement or implementing a new or substantially altered program under the CWA, to analyze the impact of such action on employment levels or economic activity in each state; and (2) upon concluding that such action will have more than a de minimis negative impact on employment levels or economic activity in a state, to hold a public hearing in each such state at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the action and to give notice of such impact to the state's congressional delegation, governor, and legislature at least 45 days before such effective date.

 Prohibits the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator from: (1) finalizing, adopting, implementing, administering, or enforcing the proposed guidance described in the notice of availability and request for comments entitled "EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act"; or (2) using such Guidance, or any substantially similar guidance made publicly available on or after December 3, 2008, as the basis for any decision regarding the scope of the CWA or any rulemaking. Provides that the use of such guidance as the basis for any rule shall be grounds for vacating such rule.

 Prohibits the Administrator from: (1) promulgating a revised or new water quality standard for a pollutant when the Administrator has approved a state water quality standard for such pollutant unless the state concurs with the Administrator's determination that the revised or new standard is necessary to meet CWA requirements; or (2) taking action to supersede a state's determination that a discharge will comply with effluent limitations, water quality standards, controls on the discharge of pollutants, and toxic and pretreatment effluent standards under the CWA.

Authorizes states to disregard, accept, or modify the Administrator's disagreement with, and recommendations for, a state's identification of: (1) waters as areas with insufficient controls, and (2) pollutants suitable for maximum daily load measurement.

saving coal jobs act prohibits head federal agency promulgating regulation relating power sector carbon pollution standards substantially similar regulation june regulation explicitly authorized congress amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa revise national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state acting pursuant equivalent approved state program permitting authority base determination approving new renewed permit covering discharges structure compliance regulations issued permitting authority prohibits permitting authority basing determination extent permit applicant adherence guidance issued administrator including comprehensive guidance issued administrator dated april proposed guidance entitled draft guidance identifying waters protected clean water act dated april final guidance proposed administrator dated july authorizes applicant permitting authority approve deny application new permit days date receipt application operate application approved prohibits administrator disapproving withdrawing approval state permit program npdes based failure program incorporate comply guidance implementation water quality standard adopted state approved administrator establishes environmental review requirements national environmental policy act nepa permits discharge dredged fill material navigable waters removes authority epa prohibit specification restrict use area disposal site discharges dredged fill materials waters united_states army_corps_of_engineers issued permit discharge requires administrator issuing regulation policy statement guidance response petition requirement implementing new substantially altered program cwa analyze impact action employment levels economic activity state concluding action minimis negative impact employment levels economic activity state hold public hearing state days prior effective date action notice impact state congressional delegation governor legislature days effective date prohibits secretary army administrator finalizing adopting implementing administering enforcing proposed guidance described notice availability request comments entitled epa clean water act guidance substantially similar guidance publicly available december basis decision scope cwa rulemaking provides use guidance basis rule shall grounds vacating rule prohibits administrator promulgating revised new water quality standard pollutant administrator approved state water quality standard pollutant state concurs administrator determination revised new standard necessary meet cwa requirements taking action supersede state determination discharge comply effluent limitations water quality standards controls discharge pollutants toxic effluent standards cwa authorizes states disregard accept modify administrator disagreement recommendations state identification waters areas insufficient controls pollutants suitable maximum daily load measurement


Summary:
Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends subtitle D (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish a permit program for coal combustion residuals (coal ash) that states may elect to administer. The program outlines the criteria that a state must use if it chooses to adopt and enforce a permit program regulating the management and disposal of coal ash generated by electric utilities and independent power producers. The program applies to the disposal of coal ash into landfills or surface impoundments, sand or gravel pits, quarries, or lateral expansions of the structures. The structural criteria concern: (1) design, location, and integrity; (2) financial assurance; (3) groundwater and surface water protections; (4) closure procedures; and (5) air quality with respect to fugitive dust.

In order to adopt or implement a permit program, the lead state implementing agency must maintain a program for control of hazardous waste disposal in open dumps or an authorized state hazardous waste program under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. The implementing agency must ensure that certain information concerning the program is publicly available.

A state that chooses to adopt a coal ash program is given sole enforcement authority. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must implement a program for a state if: (1) a state's program fails to meet those criteria, or (2) a state does not implement a program. A coal ash permit program implemented by the EPA shall not apply to the utilization, placement, and storage of coal ash at surface or underground coal mining and reclamation operations.

Certain uses of coal ash are not considered as receipt of such material for purposes of this bill. These include uses for engineered structural fill, storage in a manner consistent with the management of raw materials, and such beneficial uses as substitution for virgin material (in which case the use must be shown to not result in environmental releases greater than those from a material or product that would be used instead of the coal ash or exceed relevant benchmarks for human and ecological receptors).

The bill revises implementation of the EPA rule governing the disposal of coal ash, entitled "Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities." The rule may be implemented only through the permit program established by the bill.

sec bill amends subtitle recovery_act solid waste disposal act establish permit program coal combustion residuals coal ash states elect administer program outlines criteria state use chooses adopt enforce permit program regulating management disposal coal ash generated electric utilities independent power producers program applies disposal coal ash landfills surface impoundments sand gravel pits lateral expansions structures structural criteria concern design location integrity financial assurance groundwater surface water protections closure procedures air quality respect fugitive dust order adopt implement permit program lead state implementing agency maintain program control hazardous waste disposal open authorized state hazardous waste program solid waste disposal act implementing agency ensure certain information concerning program publicly available state chooses adopt coal ash program given sole enforcement authority environmental_protection_agency epa implement program state state program fails meet criteria state implement program coal ash permit program implemented epa shall apply utilization placement storage coal ash surface underground coal mining reclamation operations certain uses coal ash considered receipt material purposes bill include uses engineered structural fill storage manner consistent management raw materials beneficial uses substitution virgin material case use shown result environmental releases greater material product instead coal ash exceed relevant benchmarks human ecological bill revises implementation epa rule governing disposal coal ash entitled hazardous solid waste management system disposal coal combustion residuals rule implemented permit program established bill


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of that version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill authorizes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to provide bidding credits for a coal preference right lease applicant to acquire federal mineral rights if such applicant agrees to relinquish its rights to an existing coal lease on federal land. Bidding credits, which are fully transferable, are assigned a dollar value and can be used in lieu of cash to make certain payments to the federal government. The dollar value should be equal to the estimated fair market value of the existing lease being relinquished.

The BLM is required to provide payments, equal to 50% value of any bidding credit, to any state where federal mineral rights are being acquired through the use of bidding credits. Such payments are required to be derived from revenues obtained under federal mineral leases.

 A bidding credit terminates five years from its date of issue, not counting any period in which exercise of the bidding credit is precluded by law or suspension of the federal coal leasing program.

measure amended introduced expanded summary version repeated sec bill authorizes bureau_of_land_management blm provide bidding credits coal preference right lease applicant acquire federal mineral rights applicant agrees relinquish rights existing coal lease federal land bidding credits fully transferable assigned dollar value lieu cash certain payments federal government dollar value equal estimated fair market value existing lease relinquished blm required provide payments equal value bidding credit state federal mineral rights acquired use bidding credits payments required derived revenues obtained federal mineral leases bidding credit terminates years date issue counting period exercise bidding credit precluded law suspension federal coal leasing program


Summary:
Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2015

 Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Labor (Secretary), in conducting health and safety related accident investigations in coal or other mines, to: (1) determine why an accident occurred and whether there were violations of law, mandatory health and safety standards, or other requirements; (2) in cases involving violations of federal criminal law, refer them to the Attorney General; and (3) make recommendations to avoid any recurrence.

Requires an independent accident investigation by an independent panel appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for any accident: (1) involving three or more deaths, or (2) whose severity or scale merits an independent investigation.

Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), at the request of a majority of the panel or upon his or her own initiative, to issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant papers, books, and documents, and administer oaths with respect to an investigation.

Authorizes: (1) the Secretary's representatives and attorneys to question any individual privately during an inspection or investigation; and (2) any individual willing to speak with or provide a statement to such representatives or attorneys to do so without the presence, involvement, or knowledge of the mine operator or mine operator's agents or attorneys.

Allows the closest relative of a miner who is entrapped, disabled, killed, or otherwise prevented by an accident to designate a representative for the miner to participate in a mine inspection. Requires mine inspections to be conducted during various shifts and days of the week when miners are normally present.

Directs the Secretary, upon the request of the mine operator, to review with appropriate mine officials the Secretary's most recent evaluation for pattern of violations status during the course of a regular mine inspection, or at the Secretary's discretion, during the pre-inspection conference.

Prohibits an attorney from representing both a mine operator and miner during an inspection, investigation, or litigation, unless such miner knowingly waives all possible conflicts of interest.

Declares that title 30 CFR Part 104 of chapter I, as revised by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and published at 78 Federal Register 5073 (January 23, 2013), regarding procedures and criteria for determining a mine operator's pattern of violations, shall have the force and effect of law and be subject to an Act of Congress.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) revoke the approval of mine operator plans or programs based on certain criteria; and (2) order withdrawal of all persons from a mine or mine area, and prohibit them from entering it, until the operator submits and the Secretary approves a new plan.

Revises civil and criminal penalties and related administrative procedures.

Prescribes a civil penalty for: (1) any unapproved change to a coal mine ventilation system or ventilation control which is required by a ventilation plan, safety standard, or order; (2) a violation of a mandatory health and safety standard requiring rock dusting in a coal mine; (3) a violation of the statutory prohibition on providing advance notice of an inspection; or (4) a violation of a mandatory health and safety standard requiring examinations of work areas in an underground coal mine.

Revises certain miner protections against discrimination. Prohibits discriminating against a miner or other employee of a mine operator for refusing to perform duties out of a good-faith and reasonable belief that performing such duties would pose a safety or health hazard.

Entitles a miner to full compensation by a mine operator at the regular rate of pay for the entire period (not to exceed 60 days) for which the miner is idled because of a Secretary's withdrawal order. (Under current law, miners are entitled to full compensation only for the time that they are idled, or for one week, whichever is the lesser, after all interested parties are given an opportunity for a public hearing and after such order is final.)

Prohibits an underground coal mine operator whose mine has been in pattern of violations status for three years from discharging (or constructively discharging) a miner paid on an hourly basis without reasonable job-related grounds based on certain failures to perform job duties satisfactorily if the miner has completed the employer's probationary period of up to six months. Allows a miner aggrieved by violation of this prohibition to file a complaint in federal district court for reinstatement and compensatory damages.

Requires each underground coal mine operator to implement a communication program to ensure that each miner is orally briefed on and made aware of current mine conditions before traveling to or arriving at the mine work area and commencing assigned tasks.

Prescribes additional requirements for the monitoring of coal dust in underground mines.

Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to require each operator of an underground coal mine to install atmospheric monitoring systems.

Directs the Secretary to study the effectiveness of the Department of Labor's final rule entitled "Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors".

Revises mine operator health and safety training program requirements. Increases from 8 to 9 the minimum number of hours of refresher training all miners must receive at least once every 12 months, including 1 hour of training on miners statutory rights and responsibilities. Requires such training programs to include distribution of miners' rights as well as a toll-free hotline telephone number.

Requires the Secretary to order a mine operator to provide additional training to miners if a serious or fatal accident has occurred at a mine, it has experienced above-average accident and injury rates, citations, or withdrawal orders, or the operator has a history of failing to adequately train miners.

Amends the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 to require the Secretary to give special emphasis in the award of competitive grants for education and training (Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants) to programs and materials that provide underground mine accident rescue simulation training to workers in smaller mines.

Requires the Secretary to issue mandatory standards to establish certification requirements and procedures for persons authorized by a mine operator to perform duties or provide training under such Act.

Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to require mine operators to retain certain required records and data that are in electronic form.

 Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to states to assist them in developing and implementing miner certification programs.

Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to authorize the Director of NIOSH, acting through the Office of Mine Safety and Health, to enter into cooperative agreements with international institutions and private entities to improve mine safety and health through new interventions.

Authorizes the Secretary to double encumber a position or utilize early replacement hiring for authorized representatives and technical positions in the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Requires the Secretary to develop and report to Congress a succession plan for the replacement of qualified Administration employees for the next five years.

amends federal_mine_safety_and_health_act require secretary labor secretary conducting health safety related accident investigations coal mines determine accident occurred violations law mandatory health safety standards requirements cases involving violations federal criminal law refer attorney general recommendations avoid recurrence requires independent accident investigation independent panel appointed secretary health_and_human_services accident involving deaths severity scale merits independent investigation requires director national_institute_for_occupational_safety_and_health niosh request majority panel initiative issue subpoenas attendance testimony witnesses production relevant papers books documents administer oaths respect investigation authorizes secretary representatives attorneys question individual privately inspection investigation individual willing speak provide statement representatives attorneys presence involvement knowledge operator operator agents attorneys allows closest relative miner entrapped disabled killed prevented accident designate representative miner participate inspection requires inspections conducted shifts days week miners normally present directs secretary request operator review appropriate officials secretary recent evaluation pattern violations status course regular inspection secretary discretion pre inspection conference prohibits attorney representing operator miner inspection investigation litigation miner knowingly waives possible conflicts interest declares title cfr chapter revised published federal register january procedures criteria determining operator pattern violations shall force effect law subject act congress requires secretary revoke approval operator plans programs based certain criteria order withdrawal persons area prohibit entering operator submits secretary approves new plan revises civil criminal penalties related administrative procedures prescribes civil penalty unapproved change coal ventilation system ventilation control required ventilation plan safety standard order violation mandatory health safety standard requiring rock coal violation statutory prohibition providing advance notice inspection violation mandatory health safety standard requiring examinations work areas underground coal revises certain miner protections discrimination prohibits discriminating miner employee operator refusing perform duties good faith reasonable belief performing duties pose safety health hazard entitles miner compensation operator regular rate pay entire period exceed days miner idled secretary withdrawal order current law miners entitled compensation time idled week whichever lesser interested parties given opportunity public hearing order final prohibits underground coal operator pattern violations status years discharging constructively discharging miner paid hourly basis reasonable job related grounds based certain failures perform job duties satisfactorily miner completed employer probationary period months allows miner aggrieved violation prohibition file complaint federal district court reinstatement compensatory damages requires underground coal operator implement communication program ensure miner orally briefed aware current conditions traveling arriving work area commencing assigned tasks prescribes additional requirements monitoring coal dust underground mines directs secretary promulgate regulations require operator underground coal install atmospheric monitoring systems directs secretary study effectiveness department_of_labor final rule entitled lowering miners exposure respirable coal dust including continuous personal dust monitors revises operator health safety training program requirements increases minimum number hours refresher training miners receive months including hour training miners statutory rights responsibilities requires training programs include distribution miners rights toll free hotline telephone number requires secretary order operator provide additional training miners fatal accident occurred experienced average accident injury rates citations withdrawal orders operator history failing adequately train miners amends improvement new emergency response act require secretary special emphasis award competitive grants education training brookwood-sago_mine_safety_grants programs materials provide underground accident rescue simulation training workers smaller mines requires secretary issue mandatory standards establish certification requirements procedures persons authorized operator perform duties provide training act directs secretary promulgate regulations require operators retain certain required records data electronic form authorizes secretary grants states assist developing implementing miner certification programs amends occupational_safety_and_health_act authorize director niosh acting enter cooperative agreements international institutions private entities improve safety health new interventions authorizes secretary double encumber position utilize early replacement hiring authorized representatives technical positions safety_and_health_administration requires secretary develop report congress succession plan replacement qualified administration employees years


Summary:
Petroleum Coke Transparency and Public Health Protection Act

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit to Congress and publish on the HHS website a report containing the results of a study concerning petroleum coke that includes: (1) an analysis of the public health and environmental impacts of the production, transportation, storage, and use of petroleum coke; (2) an assessment of potential approaches and best practices for storing, transporting, and managing petroleum coke; and (3) a quantitative analysis of current and projected domestic petroleum coke production and utilization locations.

The Environmental Protection Agency is required to promulgate rules concerning the storage and transportation of petroleum coke that ensure the protection of public and ecological health based upon the findings of such study.

petroleum coke transparency public health protection act bill directs department_of_health_and_human_services hhs submit congress publish hhs website report containing results study concerning petroleum coke includes analysis public health environmental impacts production transportation storage use petroleum coke assessment potential approaches best practices storing transporting managing petroleum coke quantitative analysis current projected domestic petroleum coke production utilization locations environmental_protection_agency required promulgate rules concerning storage transportation petroleum coke ensure protection public ecological health based findings study


Summary:
Coal Royalty Fairness and Communities Investment Act of 2015

This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require the coal lease royalty to be at least 12.5% of the assessment value of federal coal (currently, 12.5% of the value of coal as defined by regulation), which value shall be established by the Department of the Interior within one year after enactment of this Act.

"Assessment value" means: (1) the price of federal coal paid by the purchaser at final sale, or (2) a price imputed by the Secretary based on the coal price index (the schedule of average market prices of federal coal at final sale).

The purchaser of federal coal shall report annually information necessary to carry out this Act. Interior may examine the records of any person engaged in the purchase, sale, transportation, or marketing of federal coal.

The bill prescribes requirements for: (1) determining and assessing royalties for the export of federal coal, (2) compiling in a transportation cost index the average costs of transporting coal, and (3) determining the amount of any applicable transportation cost deduction on the basis of such index.

The bill also establishes in the Treasury a Coal Area Economic Revitalization Fund for the annual deposit of $105 million of royalty revenues collected by the United States from coal leases. The Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce shall use certain Fund amounts to issue grants under specified programs for projects to assist communities and Indian tribes negatively impacted by changes in the coal economy. The Department of Energy shall use certain Fund amounts to provide financial assistance for the design, construction, and operation of large-scale projects to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources. Specified federal departments and agencies shall provide impacted communities with technical assistance and educational outreach to fund partnerships.

coal royalty fairness communities investment act bill amends mineral_leasing_act require coal lease royalty assessment value federal coal currently value coal defined regulation value shall established department_of_the_interior year enactment act assessment value means price federal coal paid purchaser final sale price imputed secretary based coal price index schedule average market prices federal coal final sale purchaser federal coal shall report annually information necessary carry act interior examine records person engaged purchase sale transportation marketing federal coal bill prescribes requirements determining assessing royalties export federal coal compiling transportation cost index average costs transporting coal determining applicable transportation cost deduction basis index bill establishes treasury annual deposit million royalty revenues collected united_states coal leases economic_development_administration department_of_commerce shall use certain fund amounts issue grants specified programs projects assist communities indian tribes negatively impacted changes coal economy department_of_energy shall use certain fund amounts provide financial assistance design construction operation large scale projects capture store carbon dioxide emissions industrial sources specified federal departments agencies shall provide impacted communities technical assistance educational outreach fund partnerships


Summary:
Steel Industry Preservation Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the production tax credit for steel industry fuel.

(Under current law, steel industry fuel is a fuel which is: (1) produced through a process of liquefying coal waste sludge and distributing it on coal, and (2) used as a feedstock for the manufacture of coke.)

The bill modifies the tax credit for steel industry fuel to:

 extend the credit period and the placed-in-service date, revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow blends of coal and petroleum coke or other coke feedstock in the fuel, set forth ownership requirements, and specify requirements for treating an owner as producing and selling steel industry fuel. A taxpayer that produces steel industry fuel may elect to accept an increased tax credit in lieu of certain deductions for expenses in connection with the production of steel industry fuel.

The bill specifies the treatment of the credit for the purpose of the alternative minimum tax. It also exempts transactions related to steel industry fuel from rules that restrict deductions and other tax benefits for activities that are not engaged in for profit or that do not have economic substance.

steel industry preservation act bill amends internal_revenue_code extend modify production tax credit steel industry fuel current law steel industry fuel fuel produced process coal waste sludge distributing coal feedstock manufacture coke bill modifies tax credit steel industry fuel extend credit period placed service date revise definition steel industry fuel allow blends coal petroleum coke coke feedstock fuel set forth ownership requirements specify requirements treating owner producing selling steel industry fuel taxpayer produces steel industry fuel elect accept increased tax credit lieu certain deductions expenses connection production steel industry fuel bill specifies treatment credit purpose alternative minimum tax exempts transactions related steel industry fuel rules restrict deductions tax benefits activities engaged profit economic substance


Summary:
Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act

This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to prohibit the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE)and state regulatory authoritiesfrom accepting new self-bonds for coal reclamation.Additionally, any existing self-bonds or corporate bondsutilized for coal reclamationmust be converted to surety or collateral bonds.

The OSMRE may approve state or federal alternative coal miningbond programs thatresult in no greater risk of financial liability to the federalgovernment than a surety or collateral bond program.

The bill also requires the OSMRE to issue rules establishing limitations on surety bondsto minimize the financial liability to the federal or stategovernment.

coal cleanup taxpayer protection act bill amends surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act prohibit state regulatory accepting new self bonds coal reclamation additionally existing self bonds corporate coal converted surety collateral bonds osmre approve state federal alternative coal programs greater risk financial liability surety collateral bond program bill requires osmre issue rules establishing limitations surety minimize financial liability federal


Summary:
Creating Opportunities for America's Laid-off (COAL) Miners Act of 2016

This bill allows certain states in which the coal mining and related industries have been adversely impacted by regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Department of the Interior to enter into and participate in a specified agreement with the Department of Labor.

These states shall include:

 Alabama; Illinois; Indiana; Kentucky; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; Virginia; Wyoming; and any other state that has traditionally relied on coal mining for a substantial portion of its economy, and has experienced a significant reduction in coal mining-related activity over five years. The agreement shall require that the state's agency make payments of coal mining emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) to individuals, other than illegal aliens, who:

 have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under the state or federal law for a benefit year (excluding any benefit year that ended before enactment of this bill); have no rights to regular compensation for a week under such law or any other state unemployment compensation law or to compensation under any other federal law; are not receiving compensation for such week under the unemployment compensation law of Canada; and are able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work. A state which enters such an agreement must deliver specified reemployment services and reemployment and eligibility assessment activities to each coal mining EUC recipient while the individual continues to receive such EUC.

The bill requires that, subject to specified conditions, 100% of the coal mining EUC paid to individuals by the state be reimbursed to each such state that enters into the agreement.

Funds in the extended unemployment compensation account of the Unemployment Trust Fund shall be used for making payments to these states.

This bill prescribes penalties for an individual who commits fraud resulting in overpayment of coal mining EUC.

No compensation under this bill shall be payable following 24 months after its enactment.

creating opportunities america laid coal miners act bill allows certain states coal mining related industries adversely impacted regulations promulgated environmental_protection_agency epa department_of_the_interior enter participate specified agreement department_of_labor states shall include alabama illinois indiana kentucky ohio pennsylvania tennessee virginia wyoming state traditionally relied coal mining substantial portion economy experienced significant reduction coal mining related activity years agreement shall require state agency payments coal mining emergency unemployment compensation euc individuals illegal aliens exhausted rights regular compensation state federal law benefit year excluding benefit year ended enactment bill rights regular compensation week law state unemployment compensation law compensation federal law receiving compensation week unemployment compensation law canada able work available work actively seeking work state enters agreement deliver specified reemployment services reemployment eligibility assessment activities coal mining euc recipient individual continues receive euc bill requires subject specified conditions coal mining euc paid individuals state reimbursed state enters agreement funds extended unemployment compensation account unemployment_trust_fund shall making payments states bill prescribes penalties individual commits fraud resulting overpayment coal mining euc compensation bill shall payable following months enactment


Summary:
Creating Opportunities for Rural Economies Act or the CORE Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require at least 5% of the new markets tax credit limitation to be allocated to community development entities in connection with certain investments, financial counseling, and other services in distressed coal communities.

A "distressed coal community" is any low-income community located in a county that: (1) was one of the 30 counties with the biggest employment decrease among coal operators over a specified time period; or (2) is contiguous to a county that has the required decrease in employment, is located in the same state, and contains at least one low-income community.

creating opportunities rural economies act core act bill amends internal_revenue_code require new markets tax credit limitation allocated community development entities connection certain investments financial counseling services distressed coal communities distressed coal community low income community located county counties employment decrease coal operators specified time period contiguous county required decrease employment located state contains low income community


Summary:
Creating Opportunities for Rural Economic Expansion Act or the CORE Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require at least 5% of the new markets tax credit limitation to be allocated to community development entities in connection with certain investments, financial counseling, and other services in distressed coal communities.

A "distressed coal community" is any low-income community located in a county that: (1) was one of the 30 counties with the biggest employment decrease among coal operators over a specified time period; or (2) is contiguous to a county that has the required decrease in employment, is located in the same state, and contains at least one low-income community.

creating opportunities rural economic expansion act core act bill amends internal_revenue_code require new markets tax credit limitation allocated community development entities connection certain investments financial counseling services distressed coal communities distressed coal community low income community located county counties employment decrease coal operators specified time period contiguous county required decrease employment located state contains low income community