Wyoming Coal Rules Updated: Typo Fixes and New Drilling Standards Roll Out
Published Date: 6/27/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Wyoming’s coal mining rules got a fresh update approved by the Office of Surface Mining, making coal exploration by drilling clearer and more official starting February 20, 2024. Some small typos still need fixing, so Wyoming will send in more changes soon. This affects coal miners and regulators, helping keep mining safe and on track without extra costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Wyoming coal drilling rules approved
If you are a coal miner, operator, or regulator in Wyoming, the Office of Surface Mining approved changes clarifying coal exploration by drilling. The approval was made on January 19, 2024, and is effective February 20, 2024, and the notice says there are no extra costs right now.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11825 — Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Control of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions and Approval and Promulgation of State Plan (Negative Declaration) for Designated Facilities and Pollutants
The EPA wants to approve Missouri’s updated plan to control sulfur dioxide pollution, swapping old rules for newer, clearer ones. This update affects power plants and cleans up outdated rules but won’t make pollution limits any easier or harder. No new costs or deadlines for businesses, just a smoother, smarter way to keep Missouri’s air clean.
Next: 2025-11925 — Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Elkhart and Goshen, IN
The FAA is updating the airspace rules around Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana, to keep things safe and smooth for pilots. They’re fixing airport coordinates and adjusting airspace because the old Goshen navigation system was turned off. These changes won’t cost anyone extra and will start once the updates are official.