OSMFinal Rule

West Virginia Regulatory Program

EnergyEnvironment

Summary

This regulation establishes rules for coal mining operations in West Virginia, overseen by the federal Office of Surface Mining. It sets standards for how companies must handle mining activities to protect the environment and ensure proper land restoration after mines close.

Key Points

  • 1Coal mining companies in West Virginia must follow federal environmental protection standards when extracting coal
  • 2Mining operations must restore the land after they finish mining to prevent erosion and water pollution
  • 3The regulation requires companies to get permits and meet safety requirements before starting mining projects
  • 4State and federal inspectors will monitor compliance and can enforce penalties if companies violate the rules
  • 5The rules aim to balance economic activity in coal-dependent regions with environmental protection

Impact Assessment

If you are an Energy Company operating coal mines in West Virginia, this means you must implement environmental protection measures and land restoration plans, increasing operational costs and project timelines.

Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope

State-specific

Compliance Cost

Significant

Who is Affected
Energy CompaniesWorkers/LaborersState GovernmentsSmall Businesses

Key Dates

Published

July 28, 2025

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.