Interior Renews Mining Permit Info Collection Requirements
Published Date: 7/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement wants to keep collecting important info from people applying for permits. This helps make sure applications have all the legal, financial, and compliance details needed. If you’re applying for a permit, get ready for this paperwork to continue—no new costs or big changes, just keeping things running smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Permit Applicant Paperwork Continues
If you are applying for a permit with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the agency will continue to collect legal, financial, compliance, and related information from applicants. The agency says this is a renewal of the existing information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act and will not introduce new costs or big changes—paperwork will continue as before.
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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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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
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2026-06197 — Backfilling and Grading
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2025-21782 — West Virginia Regulatory Program
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13866 — Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; 30 CFR Part 700-General
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement wants to keep collecting some important info to do their job right. This affects mining companies and anyone involved in surface mining rules. They’re asking for approval to continue this paperwork, so nothing changes for now, but it keeps things running smoothly without extra costs or delays.
Next: 2025-13868 — Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Exemption for Coal Extraction Incidental to the Extraction of Other Minerals
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement wants to keep collecting info about coal mining that happens when digging for other minerals. This affects mining companies who’ll keep sharing their data, helping the government keep things safe and fair. No big changes or costs are expected, and the review is happening now to keep everything running smoothly.