STREAM Act

Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines Act or the STREAM Act

This bill allows a state to set aside up to 30% of its annual grant for abandoned mine reclamation provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the treatment and abatement of acid mine drainage, which is the release of acidic water from abandoned coal mines.

The STREAM Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 9618, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address issues related to the regulation of coal mining activities, specifically in regards to the disposal of coal ash and the reclamation of abandoned mine lands.

The bill aims to strengthen the regulations surrounding the disposal of coal ash, which is a byproduct of coal combustion that can contain harmful pollutants. The STREAM Act would require coal ash to be disposed of in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination to water sources and surrounding communities.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve the reclamation of abandoned mine lands, which are areas that have been left in a degraded state after mining activities have ceased. The STREAM Act would provide funding for the reclamation of these lands, with a focus on restoring them to a more natural and sustainable state. Overall, the STREAM Act is aimed at addressing environmental concerns related to coal mining activities and ensuring that proper regulations are in place to protect both the environment and public health. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to protect the environment and opponents raising concerns about the potential impact on the coal mining industry.