SMCRA in the states: Virginia's perspective

Journal Article · · Forum Appl. Res. Publ. Pol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7244565

Wampler, B R

For Virginia, as with other states, the enactment of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) in 1977 signaled a period of dramatic change and adjustment as regulatory authorities and the coal industry faced one of the most sophisticated and complex federal environmental statues ever promulgated. In the 10 years since, change has remained a constant factor as the law has evolved through court challenges and two presidential administrations. This glance at Virginia's involvement in the debate over the constitutionality of this and other provisions of the act, which Virginia pursued to the Supreme Court and which were overturned in 1981, provides an important footnote in examining the state's perspective on the law's success. Virginia's early involvement in opposition to the act has never compromised its commitment to a quality state program. Unfortunately, it has caused some to believe that Virginia is less than committed to maintaining environmental quality when it comes to the regulation of mining. The author feels the record of Virginia's regulatory program speaks for itself; further the state welcomes the opportunity for public examination of its mining reclamation efforts - a record that has met both the letter and spirit of the law.

• Research Organization: Virginia Dept. of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, Richmond (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7244565
• Journal Information: Forum Appl. Res. Publ. Pol.; (United States), Journal Name: Forum Appl. Res. Publ. Pol.; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN FARPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012020* -- Coal
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& Peat-- Surface Mining-- (1987-)
017000 -- Coal
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
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294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINING
FEDERAL REGION III
INDUSTRY
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
MINING
MINING LAWS
NORTH AMERICA
RECOMMENDATIONS
STATE GOVERNMENT
SURFACE MINING ACTS
USA
VIRGINIA