Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977

1. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 By Gabe Lupin Per. 3

2. What does the act entail? • The Act was drafted on August 3, 1977, and amended 1978-1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1990 and 1992. • This Act establishes a program for regulating surface coal mining and reclamation activities. • It establishes mandatory uniform standards for these activities on state and federal lands, including a requirement that adverse impacts on fish, wildlife and related environmental values be minimized. • The Act creates an Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund for use in reclaiming and restoring land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining practices.

3. What is the purpose? • The purposes of the Act was to establish a nationwide program to protect society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal mining operations. • Assure that surface mining operations are not conducted where reclamation is not feasible and are conducted so as to protect the environment. • Strike a balance between protection of the environment and agricultural productivity and the nation's need for coal as an essential source of energy. • Assist the states in developing and implementing a program to achieve the purposes of the Act which is to promote the reclamation of mined areas left without adequate reclamation prior to August 3, 1977. • The Act established the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement in the Department of the Interior.