Applicability of Federal Regulations Implementing the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
Summary
This regulation clarifies which federal rules apply to coal mining and other surface mining operations across the country. The rule helps ensure that mining companies follow consistent environmental and safety standards to protect land and water from damage, and requires them to restore mined areas when they're done.
Key Points
- 1The regulation sets out which federal environmental rules mining companies must follow when they dig up coal and other minerals from the surface
- 2Mining companies are required to restore or 'reclaim' the land after they finish mining to prevent long-term environmental damage
- 3The rule applies to surface mining operations nationwide and helps protect water quality and wildlife habitats from mining activities
- 4Companies have until December 30, 2025 to submit comments on the rule before it becomes final
- 5The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is the federal agency enforcing these requirements
Impact Assessment
If you are an energy company operating surface mines, this means you must follow clarified federal environmental and safety standards consistently across all your operations and complete land restoration when mining ends.
National
Moderate
Key Dates
November 28, 2025
Regulatory Connections
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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