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.
Simple Explanation
The government has decided that Wyoming can use old wind turbine parts to fill up holes left by coal mining, which helps get rid of these big pieces of junk. But some people are worried because they don't fully understand the new rules and are concerned about how this will affect the land and cultural sites.