⛏️Montana Surface Mining Regulatory Program Proposed Amendment Review
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (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 House Bill 633 (HB 633) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes several changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Montana proposes that objections to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) decisions are limited to issues previously raised in a comment or written objection submitted during the relevant comment period. The submittal also requires cumulative hydrologic impact assessments to be published along with DEQ's acceptability determination. Also, Montana adds contingencies in HB 633 that will not be codified into law but that will apply to the proposed amendment: "Saving clause," "Severability," "Contingent voidness," and "Effective date."
Learn More💧Pennsylvania Surface Mining Water Supply Regulations Amendment
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are approving in part an amendment to the Pennsylvania regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The amendment addresses regulations regarding water replacement provisions that were disapproved by us in 2005.
Learn More🏞️West Virginia Regulatory Amendment on Reclamation Liabilities
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are approving an amendment to the West Virginia regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The amendment revises the West Virginia Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act (WVSCMRA) as contained in House Bill 4758 of 2022. The revisions require the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) to develop and maintain a database to track reclamation liabilities, including water treatment, at coal mining operations in the state of West Virginia that were permitted after August 3, 1977, and for which the SMCRA permit has yet to be completely released. The database of reclamation liabilities will serve to inform management and operation of WVDEP's Special Reclamation Program.
Learn More⚒️MSHA Proposes Rule on Electronic Surveying Equipment in Mines
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is extending the comment period on the proposed rule titled, "Electronic Surveying Equipment in Underground Coal Mines," published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025, with an established public comment period that is scheduled to end on July 31, 2025. In response to a request for additional time to develop and submit comments on the proposed rule, MSHA is extending the comment period for an additional 30 days, from July 31, 2025, to September 2, 2025.
Learn More🛠️New Rule Facilitates Non-Permissible PAPR Usage in Mining
MSHA is proposing to allow the use of non-permissible Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in specified underground areas of mines, if the equipment meets certain technical specifications and is operated under specific conditions. This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions to allow the use of non-permissible PAPRs in underground gassy mines. This proposed rule would reduce burden because mine operators would no longer need to submit a petition for modification to use non-permissible PAPRs.
Learn More⛏️MSHA Proposes Revision of Diesel Particulate Matter Regulations
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 57 by removing outdated requirements for miners' exposures to diesel particulate matter (DPM) in underground metal and nonmetal mines (MNM). These revisions would streamline the requirements for DPM for underground MNM mine operators while maintaining the same level of protection for miners.
Learn More⚒️Proposed Deregulation for Blacksmith Shops in Mining Operations
MSHA is proposing to revise 30 CFR part 57 to remove outdated requirements regarding blacksmith shops located at surface metal and nonmetal mines. Removal of this standard would not result in a reduction of safety protection for miners at surface metal and nonmetal 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⚒️MSHA Proposes Removal of Outdated Trolley Safety Regulations
MSHA is proposing to remove and revise provisions for metal and nonmental (MNM) mines and coal mines regarding the use of trolleys for transportation of mined ore, coal, material, and personnel. Trolleys are an outdated technology that have been replaced by more efficient belt conveyor haulage systems for transporting mined ore and coal. Diesel and battery-operated mobile equipment are now used to transport personnel and equipment. Trolleys are no longer used in MNM or coal mines and there is no anticipated future use of this legacy equipment in MNM and coal mines.
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.
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