Struggle to implement a national surface-mining policy

Journal Article · · Publius; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3329805· OSTI ID:6770296

Menzel, D C; Edgmon, T D

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Coal Act) was designed to balance energy needs with environmental protection, but its implementation was reduced to a battle in 1979 over the definition of Federal and state authority. Debate in the western coal states focused on the area's unique climate and geography, the large Federal landholdings, and a distrust of the Federal bureaucracy. Eastern coal states cite, in addition to their rugged terrain, the size and stability of water impoundments, a fear of government participation, the existing deep coal mining and ongoing reclamation programs, and their frustrations with government inspections. The Coal Act illustrates how difficult it is to use rule making to force intergovernmental cooperation. 27 references. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 6770296
• Journal Information: Publius; (United States), Journal Name: Publius; (United States) Vol. 10:1; ISSN PBLSA
• 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
294001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
IMPLEMENTATION
LAND RECLAMATION
LAWS
MINING
MINING LAWS
REGULATIONS
STATE GOVERNMENT
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE MINING ACTS