Bill 119 hr 280, also known as the "Coal Leasing and Development Reform Act of 2021," aims to address the process of coal leasing on federal lands. The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to take specific actions regarding qualified coal lease applications.
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a competitive leasing process for coal leases on federal lands. This process would require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct competitive lease sales for coal leases, rather than relying on noncompetitive leasing as has been done in the past.
Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to consider the environmental and social impacts of coal leasing when making decisions on lease applications. This includes assessing the potential impacts on air and water quality, wildlife habitat, and local communities.
The bill also includes provisions aimed at increasing transparency and public participation in the coal leasing process. This includes requiring the Secretary of the Interior to provide public notice of lease sales and opportunities for public comment.
Overall, Bill 119 hr 280 seeks to reform the coal leasing process on federal lands to ensure that it is conducted in a more transparent and environmentally responsible manner.