States seek rebates for cleanup, stronger enforcement from OSM

摘要

Senators from coal-mining states last week called on Office of Surface Mining Director Brent Wahlquist to return money paid into the Abandoned Mine Land Fund to the states, while environmental groups voiced concerns over what they see as OSM's lack of enforcement. Under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, OSM collects excise taxes on coal production and uses the money to fund the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources harmed by past mining.