Pennsylvania Mining Rules Get Federal Nod for Better Water Fixes
Published Date: 7/28/2025
Rule
Summary
The Office of Surface Mining is giving a thumbs-up to some updates in Pennsylvania’s mining rules, especially about water replacement, fixing issues from 2005. This affects mining companies and communities relying on clean water, making sure water gets replaced properly after mining. These changes kick in soon and help protect the environment without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
PA Approves Water Replacement Rules
The Office of Surface Mining approved in part a Pennsylvania rule change that addresses water-replacement provisions. The amendment fixes rules that OSMRE disapproved in 2005 and is meant to make sure water lost to mining is replaced in Pennsylvania; the document says the changes take effect soon and will protect the environment without extra costs.
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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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.
2026-10202 — 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.
2025-21782 — West Virginia Regulatory Program
The Office of Surface Mining gave West Virginia’s coal mining rules a thumbs-up with some tweaks! They approved most changes, gave a cautious nod to a few, and said no to one. These updates kick in January 2, 2026, affecting coal miners and regulators, keeping mining safer and cleaner without extra 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: 2025-14220 — Regulated Navigation Area; Lake Washington, Seattle, WA
From July 31 to August 3, 2025, the Coast Guard will set special boating rules on parts of Lake Washington during Seafair events. Boaters must slow down to 7 mph or less to keep waves small and everyone safe. This temporary speed limit helps protect people and boats during busy event days, so plan ahead if you’re on the water!
Next: 2025-14256 — Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (24-1.5e)
The EPA is setting new rules for certain chemicals, making sure companies tell them 90 days before starting new ways to make or use these chemicals. This helps the EPA check if the new uses are safe before anything begins. If you make or import these chemicals, you’ll need to follow these rules to avoid surprises and delays.