Mining Office Seeks to Keep Permit Forms Flowing

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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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.

2026-10722 — Montana Regulatory Program

Montana’s mining rules just got an upgrade! Starting June 29, 2026, mining companies can now define “material damage” more clearly and even submit their own water impact info if the state or feds can’t provide it. This change helps miners and regulators work smarter, keeping Montana’s land and water safer without slowing down permits or adding big costs.

2026-10202 — Kentucky Regulatory Program

Kentucky’s surface mining rules just got a fresh update! The state fixed some old rules, removed temporary ones, and cleaned up wording to keep things clear and smooth. These changes kick in on June 22, 2026, affecting coal mining companies and regulators, but won’t cost anyone extra.

2026-06892 — Wyoming Regulatory Program

Wyoming wants to update its coal mining rules to make it easier to adjust reclamation bond estimates without treating them as bond release requests. This change affects coal companies and regulators by clarifying how bonds are handled, with no new costs expected. You can share your thoughts by May 11, 2026, and there might be a public hearing on May 4 if enough people ask for it.

2026-06197 — Backfilling and Grading

The Office of Surface Mining is officially removing an old rule about how quickly mining sites must be backfilled and graded, a rule that’s been on the books but never really used since 1992. After checking public feedback, they found no big issues and confirmed the rule change will take effect on March 30, 2026. This update affects mining companies by giving them clearer, simpler guidelines without extra deadlines or costs.

2025-21791 — West Virginia Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining has approved some updates to West Virginia’s rules for coal mining permits, focusing on bonding, topsoil care, and land cleanup. These changes affect mining companies renewing permits or managing inactive sites and start on January 2, 2026. The updates aim to keep mining safer and cleaner without adding big costs or delays.

Previous: 2025-08733 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Chemical Weapons Convention Declaration and Report Handbook and Forms & Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR)

The Department of Commerce is asking for approval to keep collecting info from about 725 businesses that handle certain chemicals, including those that could be used in chemical weapons. They want to keep making sure these companies report details yearly to help stop chemical weapon threats. This update keeps the paperwork rules steady, with no new costs, and gives the public 30 more days to share their thoughts.

Next: 2025-08737 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Notice of Employee Rights Under National Labor Relations Act Complaint Process

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info about how employees learn their rights under the National Labor Relations Act complaint process. This affects workers and employers who deal with labor rights, and the DOL is asking for public feedback before renewing the paperwork rules. No big cost changes, but your comments can help shape how easy it is to understand these rights!