H.R. 9023 — CLEAN UP Mines Act of 2026

This section revises surface coal mining reclamation rules by requiring backfilling, grading, and drainage control within 180 days after last coal production and revegetation within 36 months, with no more than one additional year allowed for success. It classifies temporary cessations as significant permit revisions and deems permits out of compliance if no active coal removal or reclamation occurs for more than 6 months in any 3-year period unless standards in section 515(b)(3) are met and a return-to-production plan is approved within 1 year. It mandates quarterly surface and groundwater monitoring at specified sites, annual biological stream assessments, and inspections after 100-year, 6-hour precipitation events. It reduces the initial bond release phase from 60 to 40 days and ties releases to the new standards.