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Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. By Alan Cai Period 4, 5/7/08. Background to the SMCRA.

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Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977

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  1. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 By Alan Cai Period 4, 5/7/08

  2. Background to the SMCRA • Surface mining, or mining by removing the rock above the mineral deposit, rose in prominence from 1930-1970. However, a lack of consistent regulation between states meant that much harm was being done to the environment, since mining companies could move to states where laws were less strict and costs were less as well. • A SMCRA-like bill was first passed in 1974-1975, but was vetoed by President Ford, who feared of economic harm. However, Jimmy Carter replaced him soon after and passed the law in 1977. It was intended to be the definitive standard of coal mining environmental regulation.

  3. What does the SMCRA do? • SMCRA is enforced by the Office of Surface Mining, created by the act. This office is below the Department of the Interior. • SMCRA has five main components: set standards for coal mine operation, establish a permit/approval system where mining companies must state what they plan to do during and after they mine, mandate bonds (secure funds) that companies need to pay beforehand to ensure there is enough money for reclamation costs, ban mining in areas like national parks and refuge areas, and give the Office of Surface Mining to inspect and punish operations which do not follow the regulations set by SMCRA.

  4. Images An OSM employee inspecting a mine States in light green either have Indian reservations or are partially regulated by the federal government. States with equivalent laws are allowed to mostly regulate themselves. The OSM logo (part of the Department of the Interior)

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