OSMFinal Rule

Texas Regulatory Program

EnergyEnvironment

Summary

This regulation oversees how coal mining operations in Texas must protect the environment and restore mined land. The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) sets standards for companies to follow when extracting coal, including requirements for managing water, preventing erosion, and returning the land to a usable condition after mining stops.

Key Points

  • 1Coal mining companies in Texas must follow federal environmental protection standards for their operations
  • 2Companies are required to restore mined land by managing erosion, controlling water runoff, and replanting vegetation
  • 3The regulation protects groundwater and surface water from pollution caused by mining activities
  • 4Companies must post financial bonds to guarantee they will complete restoration work even if they go out of business
  • 5The OSM oversees compliance and can issue penalties if mining operators violate these environmental rules

Impact Assessment

If you are an energy company operating coal mines in Texas, this means you must invest in environmental controls for water management, erosion prevention, and land restoration, increasing operational costs and project timelines.

Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope

State-specific

Compliance Cost

Significant

Who is Affected
Energy CompaniesWorkers/LaborersState GovernmentsFarmers

Key Dates

Published

January 14, 2026

Regulatory Connections

Amends CFR Sections
30 CFR Part 91430 CFR Part 81630 CFR Part 817

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.