H.R. 931

To allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification

 

Statement for the Record
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
U.S. Department of the Interior

House Committee on Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

H.R. 931, To allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the 
Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes

May 20, 2025

Chairman Stauber, Ranking Member Ansari, and members of the Subcommittee, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is pleased to provide this Statement for the Record on H.R. 931, a bill to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes.

Background

The Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 (Bull Mountains Mine) is an underground coal mine in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties in Montana.  Bull Mountains Mine is currently mining limited portions of non-Federal coal that is accessible without access to Federal coal reserves. The mine has reported that without approval to mine Federal coal, the mine will run out of coal in late-2025 and be forced to close, necessitating layoffs of 85-90% of the approximately 250 employees.

On his first day in office, President Trump issued Executive Order 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency, to support the development of a reliable, diversified, and affordable supply of energy to meet our nation’s needs.  In accordance with that directive, in early May, OSMRE began to carry out the environmental review process to support the expansion of the Bull Mountains Mine. If approved, this project is expected to significantly contribute to creating jobs and economic prosperity for Americans and support the nation’s energy independence.  

H.R. 931, a bill to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes

H.R. 931 would authorize Federal coal reserves leased under Federal Coal Lease MTM 97988 to be mined in accordance with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification and would direct the Secretary of the Interior to approve the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification within 30 days of enactment.  OSMRE supports the intent of the bill to address the national energy emergency and would welcome the opportunity to work with the sponsor and Subcommittee on technical changes, including verifying the Federal land description to ensure alignment with the full scope of the Federal coal lease and referencing the current status of the mining plan modification.

Conclusion

Thank you for the opportunity to provide this Statement for the Record.

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