By Connor Armitage

 The purpose of the SMCRA was to address fears about the effects Coal Mines have on the environment.  The act forced miners to obtain permits for mining which detailed the land they would use, how they would be mining, and for how long they would be mining.  The Office of Surface Mining, a National Program, is responsible for enforcing the Act.

 Under the SMCRA mining companies must post a bond of enough money to pay for reclamation if the company were to go out of business. The bond is not returned to the company until the government accepts that the reclamation was satisfactory.  The Act gives government inspectors the ability to inspect and, if needed, shut down mines which do not meet environmental standards.

 Surface mining for coal can greatly affect the environment.  It :  Strips land of all vegetation  Ruins wildlife habitats  Causes poor air quality  Methane can be released into the air