Mining Training Forms Get OMB Nod to Keep on Truckin'

2025-21443, Rescission of Fee Rates

The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated. New fee rates have been in place since October 1, 2021, and this rule makes it official starting January 27, 2026—unless folks speak up by December 29, 2025. This change mainly affects coal producers and keeps the fee system fresh and fair for years to come.

2026-16318, North Dakota Regulatory Program

North Dakota is updating its rules for surface mining to make things clearer and more efficient. These changes include new timelines for permits, creating a new Environmental Quality department, and shifting some duties to a new Water Resources department. The updates take effect on September 10, 2026, and affect anyone involved in mining permits and environmental oversight in the state.

2026-16136, Ohio Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), is approving, in part, two amendments to the Ohio regulatory program (the Ohio program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). As proposed by Ohio, the amendment involves statutory and regulatory changes to its bonding program (i.e., revising Ohio's alternative bonding system and providing the option for an applicant to post full-cost performance securities) and also includes statutory and regulatory changes pertaining to other subjects, such as abandoned mine land program funding, permitting standards, valid existing rights, remining, blasting, and topsoil handling. Ohio submitted this amendment, in part, to satisfy a program condition related to bonding inadequacies. We are removing this program condition.

2026-14245, Montana Regulatory Program

Montana’s new mining rules let companies use smart predictions and real data to show they’ve cleaned up mining sites properly. The state can now keep some money back if certain pollution problems stick around. These changes kick in on August 14, 2026, affecting coal miners and the environment while making sure cleanup is done right.

2026-14244, Montana Regulatory Program

Montana updated its coal mining rules to say that if heavy storms overflow siltation ponds, operators won’t be in trouble as long as they built the ponds right and fix them quickly when they can. This change, approved by the federal government, affects coal mine operators and kicks in on August 14, 2026. It helps protect operators from penalties during extreme weather without costing extra money upfront.

2026-12484, Agency Information Collection Activities; 30 CFR 822-Special Permanent Program Performance Standards-Operations in Alluvial Valley Floors

The Office of Surface Mining wants to keep collecting info to make sure coal mining west of the 100th meridian doesn’t harm farming or water systems in alluvial valley floors. This renewal helps protect important land and water while mining happens. If you’re involved in mining or live nearby, you can share your thoughts by August 21, 2026—no new costs or big changes, just keeping the rules working smoothly.

Previous: 2025-01894, Notice of Agreements Filed

Big shipping companies Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk are teaming up to share space on their ships between the U.S. East Coast and several European and Canadian ports starting March 3, 2025. Meanwhile, dockworkers and maritime employers have agreed to extend their contract deadline to March 31, 2025, giving them more time to finalize their deal. If you’re involved in shipping or dock work, these changes could affect schedules and operations soon!

Next: 2025-01896, Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; General

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement wants to keep collecting some important info to do their job well. This affects folks involved in mining and land cleanup, and it won’t cost extra money or take more time than before. They’re just making sure everything stays up-to-date and smooth!