🏗️Proposed Changes to Montana Surface Mining Regulations Open for Comment
Montana Regulatory Program
Summary
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana Senate Bill 368 (SB 368) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes several changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) generally related to the proposed the addition of a process for operators to correct minor maintenance items. This notice also allows for a public comment period and the possibility for a public hearing, if one is requested.
Agencies
- Interior Department
- Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Office
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program allows operators to correct minor maintenance code violations within a specified timeframe. This presents implications for compliance, as businesses in the coal mining sector must adhere to these rules, potentially impacting operational costs and regulatory interactions.