The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is seeking public comments on a request for valid existing rights (VER) concerning the use of a road within the Monongahela National Forest for coal mining purposes. Babst/Calland Attorneys have filed this request on behalf of South Fork Coal Company, LLC, to determine if they have the rights to operate a part of Forest Service Road 249 as an access and haul road for their Rocky Run Surface Coal Mine. The request involves proving that the company had legal rights to use the road before it came under federal protection. The comment period is open until April 21, 2025, and OSMRE will process and review the request based on all submitted materials and comments.
Simple Explanation
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement wants people to share their thoughts on whether a coal company can use a road in a national forest for its work. They're letting everyone speak up until April 21, 2025, before they decide.