Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 By Nadia Farjood Period 6

General Information This national law regulates environmental effects of coal mining in the U.S. SMRCA created Office of Surface Mining, agency in the Department of Interior, to fund to enforce regulations and fund reclamation efforts and ensure consistency among regulatory programs SMRCA has two programs: 1. regulate active coal mines 2. reclaim abandoned mine lands

What the law states SMRCA stemmed from a concern about the environmental effects of strip mining. 5 major components: 1. Performance Standards: set operational regulations mines must follow 2. Permitting: requires companies obtain permits before conducting surface mining 3. Bonding: companies must post a bond to cover costs of reclaiming the site 4. Inspection and Enforcement: government regulators have the authority to inspect mining operations 5. Land Restrictions: prohibits surface mining on certain lands, ex. National Parks and designated wilderness areas.