West Virginia Regulatory Program

On October 23, 2023, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) published a final rule in the Federal Register approving two amendments to the West Virginia regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. The amendments include revisions to the West Virginia Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act and related administrative regulations concerning electronic permit filing, pre-subsidence surveys, and permitting fees. This final approval solidifies the interim rule regarding permitting fees that was initially promulgated on June 29, 2011. The approval of these amendments enhances regulatory clarity and compliance for surface mining operations in West Virginia. It also ensures that the state's regulatory framework aligns with federal standards under SMCRA.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) has approved two amendments to the West Virginia regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. These amendments include revisions to the West Virginia Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act and related administrative regulations, addressing electronic permit filing, pre-subsidence surveys, issuance of show cause orders, and permitting fees. The approval of the permitting fee provisions, initially tentatively approved in 2011, is now finalized. Observers