Appalachian Communities Health Equity Act of 2025; ACHE Act of 2025
Summary
The Appalachian Communities Health Equity Act of 2025 (ACHE Act) aims to address health concerns in communities near mountaintop removal coal mining sites. It proposes a moratorium on federal authorizations for new or expanding mountaintop removal coal mining projects until a comprehensive health study is conducted. The study, managed by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will investigate the health impacts of such mining on nearby residents.
Expected Effects
The ACHE Act could lead to a temporary halt in mountaintop removal coal mining activities in affected regions. This pause would allow for a thorough investigation into potential health risks. The act also mandates continuous monitoring of pollution at existing mining sites, with public access to the monitoring data.
Potential Benefits
- Increased environmental and health monitoring in mining areas.
- Potential reduction in health risks associated with mountaintop removal coal mining.
- Greater transparency through public access to pollution monitoring data.
- A comprehensive study to determine the long-term health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining.
- Potential for improved public health outcomes in Appalachian communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential job losses in the coal mining industry due to the moratorium.
- Increased costs for coal mining companies due to monitoring requirements and fees.
- Possible delays in energy production and increased energy costs in the short term.
- Potential economic disruption in Appalachian communities dependent on coal mining.
- The one-time fee on mining companies could impact their financial stability.
Constitutional Alignment
The ACHE Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to protect the health of citizens in Appalachian communities. Specifically, the preamble of the Constitution states the goal to "promote the general Welfare". The Act's focus on environmental protection and public health aligns with this principle. However, potential impacts on interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) due to restrictions on coal mining could raise concerns, though these are likely outweighed by the health considerations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).