Effectiveness of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act: reclamation or regulatory subversion
An evaluation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) after eight years finds that, despite predictions that coal production would diminish, annual coal production soared from 691 million tons in 1977 to 830 million. There was an almost immediate effect on surface mining practices in terms of land reclamation and the control of water pollution. Controversy continues, however, as coal companies and many states resist the new requirements. Their resistance is abetted by policies of the Reagan administration, which has sought to eliminate the Office of Surface Mining (OSM). The authors examine the impact of these policies on OSM's effectiveness and developments in the area of state primacy and OSM oversight. Despite its failures, they see no merit in moving OSM to another agency or making it independent unless there are also strong safeguards and enforceable standards to ensure its effectiveness.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Policy Institute, Washington, DC
- OSTI ID:
- 5491754
- Journal Information:
- W.Va. Law Rev.; (United States), Vol. 88:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
LAND RECLAMATION
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
SURFACE MINING
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
REGULATIONS
SURFACE MINING ACTS
EVALUATION
IMPLEMENTATION
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
LEGAL ASPECTS
LAWS
MINING
MINING LAWS
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