How effective is the federal strip mining law

Journal Article · · W.Va. Law Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5487224

Seiberling, J F

A review of the federal strip mining law finds that the 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) has fared badly because of administrative policies which undermined its intent. The struggle between long-wall coal miners and Ohio land owners illustrates the importance of access to the legal system and the need for citizen prodding to accomplish reclamation. A backlog of uncollected fees demonstrates the administration's disinterest in implementing the law. There is widespread non-compliance among coal miners and a shift in mining states to weaken enforcement efforts, which leaves only the courts to bear the burden of enforcing the law. Administrative policy is to weaken and eventually eliminate the Office of Surface Mining. The author outlines how strong leadership by Interior Secretary Hodel could revitalize implementation.

• Research Organization: House of Representatives, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5487224
• Journal Information: W.Va. Law Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: W.Va. Law Rev.; (United States) Vol. 88:3; ISSN WVLRD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
COMPLIANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
IMPLEMENTATION
LAND RECLAMATION
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PERFORMANCE
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS
US DOI
US ORGANIZATIONS