Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026

The Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026 aims to strengthen financial guarantees for coal mine reclamation to protect taxpayers from unpaid cleanup costs. It prohibits mining companies from using their own assets as security for these bonds and bans the use of coal-related property, such as mines or equipment, as collateral. Additionally, the bill requires states to submit detailed financial reports and forecasts before adopting alternative bonding systems and mandates new rules to limit the risk associated with corporate surety bonds. These measures are designed to ensure that funds are available to restore mined lands even if mining operations fail or go bankrupt.