🏞️Valid Existing Rights Determination for Coal Mining in Monongahela
This notice announces our decision on a request for a determination of valid existing rights (VER) under section 522(e) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). We have determined that South Fork Coal Company, LLC (SFCC) possesses VER for a haul road within the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF), West Virginia. This decision will allow SFCC to maintain a West Virginia surface coal mining and reclamation permit for the road in question and to use the road to access and haul coal from a surface mine located on adjacent private lands.
Learn More🔦Proposed Rule to Remove Flame Safety Lamps from Coal Mine Regulations
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 75 by removing flame safety lamps from the list of permissible electric face equipment that can be operated in underground coal mines. This revision would maintain the same level of protection for miners because it removes outdated technology that is no longer used in underground coal mines.
Learn More⚒️Regulatory Proposal for Conveyor Belt Approval in Underground Mines
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 75 by removing outdated requirements for the approval process for conveyor belts used in underground coal mines. These revisions would streamline the current requirements for underground coal operators while maintaining the same level of protections for miners who work with such equipment.
Learn More⚠️Proposed Rule for Foam Generator System Regulations in Coal Mines
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 75 to remove outdated requirements regarding the installation of foam generator systems located in underground coal mines. Removal of this standard would not result in the reduction of safety protections for miners at these mines.
Learn More⛏️Wyoming Coal Program Regulatory Amendment - Proposed Changes Overview
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed regulatory amendment to the Wyoming coal program (Wyoming program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). On January 19, 2024, and effective February 20, 2024, OSMRE approved with exceptions an amendment to Wyoming's regulations for coal exploration by drilling (SATS No. WY-050-FOR). In the final rule under "Revisions to Wyoming's Rules That We Are Not Approving," we listed several provisions containing typographical errors that Wyoming would need to correct through a future program amendment.
Learn More⚒️National Coal Council Reestablished
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act and following consultation with the Committee Management Secretariat of the General Services Administration, notice is hereby given that the National Coal Council (NCC) will be reestablished for a two-year period. The Committee will provide advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on a continuing basis regarding general policy matters relating to coal and the coal industry.
Learn More⚒️Proposed Extension of Daily Inspection Reporting for Coal Mines
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Daily Inspection of Surface Coal Mine; Certified Person; Reports of Inspection (Pertains to Surface Coal Mines)."
Learn More⛏️Agency Information Collection for Surface Coal Mining Operations
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are proposing to renew an information collection.
Learn More⛏️Petition for Modification of MSHA Safety Standards Impacting Coal Mines
This notice is a summary of a petition for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Mingo Logan Coal, LLC.
Learn More⛏️Petition for Modification of Mine Safety Standards by Blue Diamond Coal Co.
This notice is a summary of a petition for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Blue Diamond Coal Co.
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