The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has released a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for changes to the mining plan at the Rosebud Mine Area F in Montana, which aims to permit ongoing mining of around 71.3 million tons of coal over 4,288 acres. This draft addresses shortcomings identified by a district court, particularly around analyzing alternatives and the environmental impact of greenhouse gases and water. The public is invited to comment by January 21, 2025, and can attend a meeting on January 8, 2025. OSMRE will use these comments to refine the SEIS and recommend if the mining plan should be approved, disapproved, or conditionally approved by the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.
Simple Explanation
The government is thinking about letting a company dig more coal in a place called Rosebud Mine Area F in Montana, but they want to make sure it won't hurt the environment too much. They are asking people to share their thoughts about this by January 21, 2025, and they will have a meeting on January 8, 2025, to talk more about it.