Surface Mining Office Hikes Penalties for Inflation

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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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

2026-17055, Montana Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is not approving, with one exception, an amendment to the Montana regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The Montana legislature, specifically Montana House Bill 328, proposes to add a definition of affected drainage basin to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Additionally, House Bill 328 proposes changes to the Montana Code Annotated, pertaining to bond release application requirements.

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.

2026-14244, 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.

2026-14245, 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.

Previous: 2025-10061, Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes are super safe by checking if some seat parts were made with the wrong metal. If they find a problem, they’ll fix it to keep everyone safe. Airlines need to inspect these parts soon, which might cost some time and money but keeps flights safe and sound.

Next: 2025-10069, Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Amendment 23 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan

Fishermen and coastal communities along the West Coast will see new rules to help rebuild the northern Pacific sardine population. Starting May 30, 2025, Amendment 23 changes how the sardine fishery is managed to protect this important fish and keep the ocean healthy. These updates aim to balance fishing with conservation, ensuring a brighter future for both fish and fishers.