Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977

Draft Year: August 3, 1977Amendment Years: No amendments have been

made since 1977, but subject to adjustmentNational Issue (only regulated in the U.S.)

Shashonk Illam

Function

• The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 is a federal law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining in the U.S.

• Regulation of surface mining activities and reclamation of coal-mined lands

• Environmental issues: this law grew out of concern for the harsh environmental effects of strip mining, excess surface mining and coal mining

AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR REGULATION

• The Office of Surface Mining, an agency that is integrated within the Department of the Interior, is responsible for regulation and enforcement of this law

• The OSM also funds state regulatory and reclamation efforts and ensures the “consistency among state regulatory programs”