OSMRE celebrates 40th anniversary of landmark surface mining law

“Both the surface mining law and the Office of Surface Mining have had a huge impact on the quality of life for millions of people across our country, especially the citizens of Coal Country” said Deputy Secretary Bernhardt. “There’s no question that coal mining has built the American Dream for countless families in this country. Entire towns have been built around the mines, supporting good-paying jobs and powering the United States.” “Here at OSMRE, you have worked tirelessly for 40 years to protect this American Dream by keeping these families and communities safe,” Bernhardt said. “OSMRE employees understand that the success they have achieved in balancing the nation’s need for a reliable OSMRE News Release continued source of energy with the protection of the environment demonstrates the effectiveness of working closely with states, tribes, industry, and communities.” "Part of the American Dream for so many families is boating, fishing, and whitewater rafting,” the Deputy Secretary said. “OSMRE's work doesn't just reclaim land and waters damaged by abandoned coal mines; it restores the promise of the American outdoors for hardworking men and women – as well as their children – in Coal Country.” “OSMRE takes great pride in knowing that the work we do touches American lives every day,” said Acting Director Glenda Owens. “With the Surface Mining law and the work of our dedicated staff, there is no doubt that our nation’s lands and water are in far better condition both during and after coal mining”. Through the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Congress established OSMRE for two purposes:

• To ensure that the nation's coal mines operate in a manner that protects citizens and the environment during mining operations and to restore the land to beneficial use following mining.
• To implement an Abandoned Mine Land (AML) programme to address the hazards and environmental degradation resulting from two centuries of coal mining activities that occurred before the law was passed in 1977.

Under the AML programme, OSMRE has distributed more than US$5 billion in grants to states and tribes from the Abandoned Mine Land Fund. Over the past 40 years, the AML programme has directly contributed to closing more than 43 000 abandoned underground mine shafts and openings; eliminating nearly 1000 miles of dangerous highwalls; and restoring over 35 000 acres of streams and land. OSMRE’s efforts have also led to a broadening of mining technology and successes through outreach and partnerships with colleges and universities. These and other partnerships have resulted in successful reclamation, reforestation and use of land for commercial, industrial, residential, recreational; agricultural and forestry purposes, among them reestablishment of critical wildlife habitats. Under the surface mining law, OSMRE actively monitors and regulates active coal mines to protect people from the adverse effects of coal mining activity. OSMRE also continues to leverage the latest science and technology through its National Technical Training Program (NTTP), Technology Development and Transfer, and Technical Innovation and Professional Services (TIPS) programmes. These programs provide resources for technical assistance, training, and technology development and enhancement of the technical skills that states and tribes need to effectively administer their regulatory and reclamation programmes under SMCRA.

In addition, the Bureau provides ongoing support for mining operations in coalfield communities through its National Mine Map Repository initiative, which collects and digitises underground and surface mines in order to allow the most accurate representation of mine dimensions, sizes and locations possible, to ensure operators and communities have critical information to prevent and address potential mine emergencies. Through the bureau’s VISTA/AmeriCorps programmes, OSMRE helps impoverished communities recover from environmental and economic hardships related to coal mining, while also developing young professionals in service to the nation. OSMRE 40th anniversary events took place at its national headquarters as well as in its three regional offices in Pittsburgh, PA; Alton, Ill; and Denver, CO.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/product-news/04082017/osmre-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-landmark-surface-mining-law/