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H.R. 4549: Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act

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H.R. 4549: Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act

108th Congress · introduced 2004-06-14 · Energy · Latest: Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2004-06-14 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Pombo, Richard W. [R-CA-11] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
  4. Where it stands now: Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act

Plain summary

Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act - Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2004 - Sets forth an oil and gas leasing exploration and production program within the Arctic Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal its prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, including any leasing or development leading to such production.. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) designate a maximum total of Coastal Plain acreage as a "Special Area" of unique character and interest; and (2) permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from lease sites located outside a Special Area. Prescribes Coastal Plain environmental protection requirements. Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to repeal the authorization that certain moneys in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund be used: (1) by the Secretary of Agriculture for reclamation of rural lands; and (2) by the Department of the Interior for studies by contract with organizations for advice and research and development projects technical assistance. Reduces by twenty percent the reclamation fee required to be paid by operators of coal mining operations. Revises guidelines governing the transfer of funds from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit (UMWACB) Fund to: (1) limit the aggregate amount transferred; and (2) coordinate such transfer with certain premiums mandated under the Internal Revenue Code. Revises certification guidelines to prescribe payments to qualified and non-qualified States and Indian tribes. Establishes in the Treasury the Coal Mining Fairness Fund. Appropriates to such Fund certain bonuses, rents, or royalties proceeds received by the United States from the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain. Prescribes guidelines for payments from such Fund to the UMWACB Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (relating to liability of assigned operators) to: (1) waive payment by coal operators of any premium to the Combined Benefit Fund to the extent of the premium amount paid to the Coal Mining Fairness Fund; and (2) set guidelines governing prepayment to the Combined Benefit Fund of premium liability for coal industry health benefits.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Pombo, Richard W. [R-CA-11] · 0 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (2)
Authorization
A law that creates or continues a government program and says what it may do, often with a suggested spending ceiling. An authorization alone does not provide money; a separate appropriation does.
Securities
Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong108-hr4549 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong108 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong108