Search Results for keywords:"OSMRE"

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, part of the Interior Department, has announced a proposal to renew an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection concerns the bond and insurance requirements for companies involved in surface coal mining and reclamation operations. They are seeking public comments on aspects such as the necessity, timeliness, and accuracy of this collection process. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback by February 4, 2025.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has partly approved and partly denied amendments to Montana's regulatory program regarding surface mining, which sought to alter the definition of "material damage" and change permit requirements for hydrologic information. These amendments were proposed following legislation passed by the Montana Legislature. OSMRE disapproved the changes related to how material damage is defined concerning hydrologic balance and subsidence but approved the definition regarding alluvial valley floors and the restructuring of a prior definition. The action reflects careful consideration to ensure state regulations align with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act and federal regulations.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is asking for public comments on renewing a paperwork requirement related to coal mining. This requirement involves collecting information from state and tribal governments to ensure compliance with an exemption under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Specifically, it covers cases where a small percentage of coal is extracted alongside other minerals. Public comments on this proposal can be submitted until February 10, 2025.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has approved changes to Wyoming's regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. These changes allow for the disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades and towers as backfill in surface coal mining operations. The amendment aims to address the disposal challenges posed by the large number of wind turbine components while ensuring compliance with existing environmental standards. The rule will become effective on February 12, 2025, and does not impact air or water quality standards, so no further Environmental Protection Agency concurrence was needed.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Interior Department is requesting public comments on renewing a collection of information regarding coal exploration activities. This request aims to gather input on the necessity, timeliness, accuracy, and potential improvements of this information collection. The process affects state governments and mine permittees, requiring them to comply with federal environmental protection standards in coal exploration. Public comments are invited by March 16, 2021, and those submitted will be part of the public record.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Interior Department is seeking public comments on its proposal to renew an information collection related to permits for special types of mining activities. This request is in line with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collected information will help OSMRE determine if applicants can meet specific performance standards for these mining activities. Public comments will be considered until March 16, 2021, and those interested can submit their opinions via mail or email.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) under the Interior Department is requesting public comments on a proposal to renew an information collection, as part of their efforts to reduce paperwork burdens. This notice is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the information collection focuses on the maintenance and evaluation of State programs in relation to federal enforcement. The public is invited to share their views on the necessity, accuracy, and methods of this information collection by February 10, 2025. Comments may impact how the OSMRE evaluates state programs and could influence federal involvement if certain requirements are unmet.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is seeking public comments on the proposed renewal of an information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection involves gathering descriptions of environmental resources affected by surface and underground coal mining permit applications. The aim is to help regulatory authorities assess whether applicants can meet environmental protection standards. Feedback is requested by February 10, 2025, and the overall goal is to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens while collecting necessary data.

In response to a Presidential Memorandum issued on January 20, 2025, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is delaying the effective dates of two regulatory program amendments in Wyoming and Montana. These amendments were initially published in January 2025 and were set to take effect soon. The Wyoming amendment addresses the disposal of wind turbine blades and towers in surface coal mining sites, while the Montana amendment deals with definitions and permit requirements related to environmental regulations. The delay is meant to provide time for further review and consideration without public input, as seeking such input would be impractical given the time constraints.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement issued a correction to a previous rule regarding amendments to West Virginia's mining regulations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. The initial rule, published on March 18, 2024, had errors, including removing provisions that should not have been deleted and failing to list approved amendments. This correction, effective January 17, 2025, reintroduces the removed provisions and adds missing ones to the official regulations list.