Surface Mining Regulations and Responsibilities

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act established standards for coal mining operations, focusing on environmental protection and land reclamation. The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) sets minimum standards, while states have primary responsibility for regulation, known as State Primacy. States must design programs that meet or exceed federal standards, including permit systems and performance bonds. OSM oversees state programs and regulates federal and Indian lands, providing technical assistance and support to ensure compliance and address technical challenges.

What was one of the main purposes of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act?

• To reduce the cost of coal mining

• To establish standards for coal mining operations

• To eliminate surface mining

• To increase coal production

Which office was created to enforce surface mining regulations?

• Office of Land Management

• Office of Environmental Protection

• Office of Coal Production

• Office of Surface Mining

Since the passage of the Surface Mining Act, what has become routine in mining operations?

• Reduction in mining costs

• Increased coal exports

• Environmental protection and land reclamation

• Expansion of mining areas

What is the primary responsibility of states under State Primacy?

• To reduce mining costs

• To regulate coal mining operations

• To eliminate surface mining

• To increase coal production

What must states establish to regulate surface coal mining and reclamation operations?

• New mining technologies

• Laws and penalties for violations

• Increased coal production targets

• Reduced mining costs

What happens once a state's mining program is approved by the Office of Surface Mining?

• The state can eliminate surface mining

• The state receives federal funding

• The state gains regulatory authority

• The state must increase coal production

How does the Office of Surface Mining assist states?

• By eliminating surface mining

• By reducing mining costs

• By increasing coal production targets

• By providing financial support and technical assistance

What kind of studies does the Office of Surface Mining conduct to assist states?

• Coal export studies

• Engineering and water resource studies

• Mining cost reduction studies

• Economic impact studies

What can happen to mining operations if they violate regulations?

• They can be shut down

• They can receive a warning

• They can receive a tax break

• They can increase production

What is one of the technical factors that state personnel are trained to enforce?

• Soil compaction

• Coal export regulations

• Mining cost reduction

• Increased production targets