H.R. 9029, Coal Industry Regulatory Tightening. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a net benefit — and names who gains.
H.R. 9029 · Net good
What it does
This bill tightens bonding requirements for coal mining companies by eliminating 'self-bonding' (where companies pledge their own assets as reclamation guarantees) and requiring them to post independent surety bonds or collateral instead. It also imposes new rules on surety companies, restricts what can be used as collateral (excluding coal-related property), and requires states to enforce these stricter standards within 90 days.
The analysis names surety bond companies (increased demand for independent bonds) — and 2 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The trade-off
Eliminates a major cost-avoidance mechanism for coal operators, potentially increasing their operating costs and making marginal mines uneconomical to operate.
Transparency scores 72%, with a medium warning level and no provisions unrelated to the bill's subject.
Who is behind it
Filed by Summer Lee. Cosponsored by Chris Deluzio and Donald Beyer.