Federal oversight of alternative bond systems under SMCRA (Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act)

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Policy Studies Review; (USA)

OSTI ID:6689815

Beier, A E; McElfish, Jr, J M

The 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) requires mine operators to post reclamation bonds before mining begins. The Federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has approved alternative bond systems in seven states. These systems, rather than requiring bond amounts at the full cost of reclamation, require operators to submit only a flat rate, acreage specific bond. Additional reclamation costs should be covered by a supplemental fund composed generally of permit fees, taxes, or penalties. In many cases, alternative bond systems fail to ensure that funds will be available to reclaim coal mined land in the event of operator default, as required by SMCRA. OSMRE needs to take a more active role in oversight of existing state alternative bond systems to ensure that reclamation occurs.

• OSTI ID: 6689815
• Journal Information: Policy Studies Review; (USA), Journal Name: Policy Studies Review; (USA) Vol. 9:1; ISSN 0278-4416; ISSN PSRWD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012020 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Surface Mining-- (1987-)
017000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Legislation & Regulations
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LAND RECLAMATION
LAWS
MATERIALS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
POLITICAL ASPECTS
STATE GOVERNMENT
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS