Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977

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Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977

• By Gabe Lupin
• Per. 3

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What does the act entail?

• The Act was drafted on August 3, 1977, and
  amended 1978-1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1990 and
  1992.
• This Act establishes a program for regulating
  surface coal mining and reclamation activities.
• It establishes mandatory uniform standards for
  these activities on state and federal lands,
  including a requirement that adverse impacts on
  fish, wildlife and related environmental values
  be minimized.
• The Act creates an Abandoned Mine Reclamation
  Fund for use in reclaiming and restoring land and
  water resources adversely affected by coal mining
  practices.

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What is the purpose?

• The purposes of the Act was to establish a
  nationwide program to protect society and the
  environment from the adverse effects of surface
  coal mining operations.
• Assure that surface mining operations are not
  conducted where reclamation is not feasible and
  are conducted so as to protect the environment.
• Strike a balance between protection of the
  environment and agricultural productivity and the
  nation's need for coal as an essential source of
  energy.
• Assist the states in developing and implementing
  a program to achieve the purposes of the Act
  which is to promote the reclamation of mined
  areas left without adequate reclamation prior to
  August 3, 1977.
• The Act established the Office of Surface Mining
  Reclamation and Enforcement in the Department of
  the Interior.