Surface Mining Control & Reclamation Act Of 1977

Passed in 1977 in United states - created 2 programs within Department of Interior: Office of surface mining (to promote regulations) & another which funded reclamation efforts -5 points of the SCRMA regulatory program: 1) set environmental standards mines must follow 2) requiring the obtainment of a permit 3) posting bonds to sufficiently fund the reclamation of the site 4) gov’t authority has right to inspect the land and levy fines 5) prohibit surface mining on restricted lands all together -Reclamation program: amended in 1990 to create Abandoned Mine Land fund (AML) - AML = 31.5 cents per ton of coal and 10 cents every ton of Lignite finances the fund *20% of taxes goes toward emergencies like landslides, fire clean ups

Goals Avoid and minimize adverse environmental impacts from surface coal and reclamation operations Improved decision making by making permit process open to public More effectively catalogue T&E species, historic properties or other related isssues Establish regulatory authorities and enhance communication Improve efficiency and effectiveness of permitting steps, timelines and decision making process https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015- 03/documents/feb2005surfacecoalminingmou.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_Mining_Control_and_Reclamation_Act_of_1 977#Regulatory_program