Feds Hit Pause on Wyoming and Montana Mining Rule Changes

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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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: 2025-02578, Safety Zone; Potomac River, District of Columbia

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Potomac River between the 14th Street Bridge and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to keep people and boats safe after an aircraft accident. Only authorized boats can enter this area while first responders and dive teams work. This means boaters in the area need to follow new rules for a while to stay safe.

Next: 2025-02659, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; Motor Vehicles; Delay of Effective Date

The start date for new motor vehicle rules at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is pushed back from January 13 to March 21, 2025. This delay gives everyone more time to get ready and makes sure the rules get a good review. Visitors and drivers planning trips or activities there should note the new timeline but won’t see any immediate cost changes yet.