1. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
Amy Jeon
Period 4

2. Basic Information & Background
Drafted in 1977, never amended
National Program
Enforced by Department of the Interior (Office of Surface Mining)
National Issue: Addresses issues directly within and concerning the United States

3. Function
Require potential miners to submit a permit and detailed application before commencing surface coal mining
Require coal companies to post a bond to ensure that the costs of reclamation would be covered
Have miners satisfy highly detailed standards for reclamation
Require mining companies to restore to the mined land its approximate contour and use capacity
Also required to stabilize the soil and redistribute the topsoil, and to restore plant life to the site.

4. Environmental Issues
Environmental degradation and subsequent reclamation through mining and regulation of the activities
Strip mining in particular
Habitat loss
Desertification
Destruction of landscape
Atmosphere Pollution