Environmental protection in the Federal coal leasing program. [OTA evaluation of changes in coal leasing program]
The basic framework of the Federal coal leasing program - the legislative mandates and the concept of a tiered structure of land use planning, activity planning and mine permitting - is still workable and capable of ensuring environmental protection. Recent policy shifts accelerated the rate at which tracts were made available for lease, and other changes have been made in the Federal coal leasing program regulations. Although not producing any evidence of 'fatal flaws' that would totally preclude mine development on recently leased tracts, these changes have increased the risk of adverse environmental impacts if some of those tracts are developed. An environmentally, (and economically) sound leasing program is an important part of our energy future and of public land management policy. Unless reasonable public expectations about 'soundness' are satisfied, OTA concludes that the likelihood of an effective and predictable Federal coal leasing program will be reduced.
- Research Organization:
- Office of Technology Assessment (U.S. Congress), Washington, DC
- OSTI ID:
- 6298779
- Report Number(s):
- PB-84-222413; OTA-E-237
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Library of Congress catalog card No. 84-601068
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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