HR 2719 · 101th Congress · Public Lands and Natural Resources

To amend titles I, II, IV, and V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, and to add a new title X, to encourage the remining and reclamation of abandoned mined lands by active mining operations, and for other purposes.

Introduced 1989-06-22· Sponsored by Rep. Clinger, William F., Jr. [R-PA-23]· House

Bill Progress

Introduced
2
Committee
3
House Vote
4
Senate
5
Enacted
Latest: Referred to the Subcommittee on Mining and Natural Resources.(1989-07-18)

Plain Language Summary

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, to administer programs promoting the reclamation of abandoned mine lands by active surface coal mining operators. Authorizes the Secretary waive or reduce the surface coal mining reclamation fee with respect to coal produced under certain reclamation agreements. Authorizes the Secretary (and certain States) to enter into reclamation agreements with respect to unreclaimed mined lands and lands adversely affected by mining. Cites conditions under which a reclamation agreement may authorize the use of excess spoil from active surface coal mining operations. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) develop a reclamation bond credit program to compensate operators for up to 80 percent of the costs of reclamation activities; (2) establish a decision-making process as to which lands adversely affected by past coal mining can be designated abandoned mine land recovery zones suitable for reclamation and remining by surface coal mining activities; (3) make matching funds available upon request to States and Indian tribes to co…

Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only