Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act was enacted by Congress under the Commerce Clause to address the environmental and social impacts of surface mining. The Act was to be implemented in two phases, with the interim phase preceding state adoption of their own programs. Legal challenges arose, claiming the Act was unconstitutional under the Commerce Clause and other amendments. The District Court found parts of the Act unconstitutional, leading to an appeal to the Supreme Court.

What power did Congress use to enact the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act?

• Taxation Power

• War Powers

• Spending Power

• Commerce Clause

What was the main question addressed in the Supreme Court case Hodel v. Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association?

• Whether surface mining is environmentally friendly

• Whether surface mining should be banned

• Whether surface mining affects interstate commerce

• Whether surface mining impacts state rights

What did Congress determine about the impacts of surface mining?

• It was beneficial for commerce

• It adversely affected human and environmental health

• It improved environmental health

• It had no significant impact

In what year was the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act enacted?

• 1978

• 1977

• 1976

• 1975

What were the two phases of the Act's implementation?

• Interim and Permanent

• Short-term and Long-term

• Temporary and Permanent

• Initial and Final

Who challenged the constitutionality of the Act?

• The federal government

• Mining companies

• Environmental groups

• Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association

Which amendments were cited in the challenge against the Act?

• 14th and 15th Amendments

• 1st and 2nd Amendments

• 3rd and 4th Amendments

• 5th and 10th Amendments

What did the District Court rule about the Act?

• It had no impact on state rights

• It was beneficial for states

• It was partially unconstitutional

• It was fully constitutional

What was one of the reasons the District Court found the Act unconstitutional?

• It was too lenient

• It increased state freedoms

• It was not enforced properly

• It took private property without compensation

To which court did Hodel appeal the District Court's decision?

• State Supreme Court

• Federal Appeals Court

• Supreme Court

• District Court