2 versions

SubstantiveWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Feb 3, 2025)

A substantive modification was made to the bill. Section 1(b)(1) was amended to introduce a time limit for the authorization to mine federal coal reserves, specifying that mining is permitted only until one year from the date of enactment, whereas the original version provided an open-ended authorization.

S. 362119th CongressIntroduced Feb 3, 2025

A bill to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes.

Reported To SenateEnergySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Feb 11, 2026

Bottom line

S. 362 facilitates the continued mining of federal coal in a specific Montana location by legislatively approving a mining plan modification and setting a one-year authorization period.

What it actually does

This bill authorizes the mining of specific Federal coal reserves in Musselshell County, Montana, covering approximately 800 acres, in accordance with a previously approved Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification. It mandates that the Secretary of the Interior approve any necessary modifications to the plan within 30 days of the bill's enactment, and permits mining to proceed for one year from the enactment date.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue this bill provides regulatory certainty for an existing mining operation, supports local jobs and economic activity in Musselshell County, and contributes to domestic energy production. They contend it aligns with a previously approved Department of the Interior plan, ensuring consistency and preventing unnecessary delays that could harm the local economy and energy supply.

Opponents contend

Opponents might argue that this bill bypasses standard environmental review processes or judicial challenges by legislatively mandating approval, potentially setting a problematic precedent for federal land management. They could raise concerns about the environmental impact of continued coal mining, including greenhouse gas emissions and local ecological disruption, and question the long-term economic viability and necessity of expanding coal extraction.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions well within any reasonable time allocation.

Section 1(a)

Definition of Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification

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This section defines the specific mining plan modification that the bill refers to. It identifies it as "Amendment 3, Bull Mountains Mine No. 1, Mining Plan Modification for Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988," which was approved by the Department of the Interior's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management on November 18, 2020.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupFederal land management agencies (e.g., Department of the Interior)ImpactClarifies the specific administrative action being referenced and legislatively affirmed.MechanismDirect definition within the bill.ScaleSpecific to this mining lease.

GroupMining companies operating under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988ImpactEnsures clarity on the specific plan modification that will govern their operations.MechanismLegal definition.ScaleDirect and immediate.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that clearly defining the specific plan modification ensures that the bill's intent is precisely understood and implemented, preventing any ambiguity that could lead to further delays or disputes.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against definitional provisions, though critics might argue that the definition itself points to a controversial administrative approval that the bill is now codifying.

Tradeoffs

This provision clarifies the scope of the bill, ensuring that the legislative action applies to a specific, identifiable administrative decision, thereby reducing potential for misinterpretation.

Section 1(b) and (c)

Authorization to Mine Federal Minerals and Land Description

prominently featuredstraightforward

This core provision authorizes the mining of all Federal coal reserves under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988 within a specified 800-acre area in Musselshell County, Montana. This authorization is valid for one year from the bill's enactment date. Furthermore, it mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must, within 30 days of enactment, approve the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification without modification or delay, to the extent necessary for mining in the described Federal land.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

SubstantiveWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Feb 3, 2025)

See full diff

S. 362119th CongressIntroduced Feb 3, 2025

A bill to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes.

Reported To SenateEnergySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Feb 11, 2026

Bottom line

S. 362 facilitates the continued mining of federal coal in a specific Montana location by legislatively approving a mining plan modification and setting a one-year authorization period.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions well within any reasonable time allocation.

Section 1(a)

Definition of Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

This provision clarifies the scope of the bill, ensuring that the legislative action applies to a specific, identifiable administrative decision, thereby reducing potential for misinterpretation.

Section 1(b) and (c)

Authorization to Mine Federal Minerals and Land Description

prominently featuredstraightforward