💧Proposed Extension for Mining Operations Under Water Information Collection
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 "Operations Mining Under a Body of Water."
Learn More⚒️Proposed Rule to Rescind Outdated Coal Mine Safety Regulations
MSHA proposes to rescind requirements for the final mining of pillars. This practice is outdated and no longer used due to safety concerns.
Learn More⛏️New Rule Allows Electronic Surveying Equipment in Coal Mines
MSHA is proposing to allow the use of electronic surveying equipment in high-hazard areas of underground coal mines, if the equipment meets certain technical specifications and is operated under specific conditions. This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions in MSHA standards to allow the use of electronic surveying equipment in underground gassy mines. This proposed rule would reduce burdens on underground coal mine operators because mine operators would no longer need to submit a petition for modification to use non-permissible electronic surveying equipment.
Learn More⛏️Proposed Rule to Revise Diesel Emission Limits in Underground Coal Mines
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 72 by removing outdated requirements for diesel particulate matter (DPM) emission limits for permissible diesel-powered equipment and non-permissible heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment operated in underground coal mines. These revisions would streamline the current requirements for underground coal mine operators while maintaining the same level of protections for miners who work with such equipment.
Learn More🏗️MSHA Proposes Changes to Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
MSHA is proposing to revise its roof control plan regulations to eliminate the provision that allows the District Manager to require additional measures to be included in plans. The current regulation may violate statutory authority; the Appointments Clause, by vesting significant regulatory authority in District Managers; and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), by skipping notice and comment.
Learn More🏗️MSHA Proposes Changes to Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
MSHA proposes to revise requirements for the contents in mine ventilation plans to eliminate the authority given to the District Manager to require additional provisions. The current standard may violate statutory authority; the Appointments Clause, by vesting significant regulatory authority in District Managers; and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), by skipping notice and comment.
Learn More⚙️Proposed Changes to Electrical Safety Regulations in Coal Mining
MSHA proposes to revise title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) part 75 by removing requirements for the use of permissible electric face equipment in coal seams above the water table. Removing these provisions would not reduce protections afforded to miners.
Learn More⛏️Pennsylvania Surface Mining Regulatory Amendments and Implications
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are approving an amendment to the Pennsylvania regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The amendment proposes to revise the Pennsylvania program to comply with four required amendments and to correct a provision we previously disapproved. The proposed amendment also includes revisions to Pennsylvania's program, including effluent limitations for bituminous underground coal mines, temporary cessation, the definition of Surface Mining Activities, civil penalties, and administrative requirements, as well as other administrative updates and non-substantive corrections.
Learn More⚒️Public Hearing on Draft Environmental Assessment for Falkirk Mining
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) announce that a draft environmental assessment (EA) is available for public review and comment for the Falkirk Mining Company's emergency Federal coal lease- by-application (LBA) for Falkirk Mine, serial number NDM-111489, and mining plan for the proposed NDM-111489. The BLM and OSMRE also announce that a public hearing will be held to receive comments on the draft EA, Fair Market Value (FMV), Maximum Economic Recovery (MER), and on factors that may affect the FMV and MER determinations of the coal resources contained in the proposed LBA lease tracts. The BLM and OSMRE take these actions in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended; the Mineral Leasing Act, as amended; and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended.
Learn More⚒️Public Hearing on Warrior Met Coal Mines EIS in Alabama
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Warrior Met Coal Mines. The BLM is also announcing that a public hearing will be held to receive comments on the Draft EIS, fair market value (FMV), maximum economic recovery (MER), and on factors that may affect the FMV and MER determinations of the coal resources contain in the proposed lease by application (LBA) lease tracts.
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