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.
Simple Explanation
The government looked at some new rules Montana wanted for mining and said yes to some and no to others because they want to make sure digging doesn't hurt the water or land too much.