1. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 By: Jennie Isber Per. 2 Rall
Amendment Year: 1990; this allowed for funds to be spent on the reclamation of mines abandoned after 1977.
National Scope: This act was introduced to the House of Representatives on January 4 by Morris K. Udall, then passed the Senate, then was reported to the joint conference committee on July 12, 1977, and then was signed into a law by President Jimmy Carter on August 3, 1977.

2. Information about the Act
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 requires mining companies to restore most surface mined land by grading and replanting it. Although usually reclamation efforts are only partially successful and can take several decades.
The Surface Mining and Control Reclamation Act of 1977 addressed the environmental problem of surface minded land. It implemented regulations that set environmental standards that all mines must follow while operating and achieve when claiming minded land.

3. Regulation and Enforcement of the Act
Establishment of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, an agency in the Department of the Interior, was created for the enforcement of this act. Currently, the Office of Surface Mining works with the states to provide funding and technical assistance to oversee the regulation of active coal mines.
When the mine is located on federal lands the office serves as the regulating agency.