Montana Redefines Mining Mess: DIY Water Reports Allowed
Published Date: 8/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Montana wants to update its mining rules after passing a new law in 2025. These changes affect how mining damage is defined and let permit applicants submit their own water impact info if official data isn’t available. People can comment or ask for a hearing before the updates take effect, so stay tuned!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New 'Material damage' definition for mining
Montana proposes a new definition of "Material damage" tied to the hydrologic balance, alluvial valley floors, and subsidence following passage of Montana House Bill 587 (HB 587) in the 2025 legislative session. If you are a mining permit applicant or operator in Montana, this changes the legal standard regulators will use to judge mining effects in those areas.
Permit applicants may submit self-collected hydrologic data
Montana's proposed amendment (from HB 587, 2025) would allow a permit applicant to provide self-collected information about probable hydrologic consequences when an appropriate Federal or State agency cannot provide such information. If you apply for a mining permit in Montana, you may be able to supply your own water-impact data instead of waiting for agency-provided data.
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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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.
2026-12482 — West Virginia Regulatory Program
West Virginia’s surface mining rules just got a fresh update! The state improved how permits are filed online, updated surveys before mining, and tweaked fees for mining permits. These changes kick in on July 22, 2026, affecting miners, regulators, and anyone involved in surface coal mining, making the process smoother and clearer without extra costs.
2026-12484 — Agency Information Collection Activities; 30 CFR 822-Special Permanent Program Performance Standards-Operations in Alluvial Valley Floors
The Office of Surface Mining wants to keep collecting info to make sure coal mining west of the 100th meridian doesn’t harm farming or water systems in alluvial valley floors. This renewal helps protect important land and water while mining happens. If you’re involved in mining or live nearby, you can share your thoughts by August 21, 2026—no new costs or big changes, just keeping the rules working smoothly.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14720 — Montana Regulatory Program
Montana wants to update its mining rules to let companies use smart predictions and monitoring data when asking for bond releases, and to keep some bond money if certain pollution issues pop up. These changes come after a new state law passed in 2025 and could affect mining companies and the environment. The public can comment or ask for a hearing before the updates take effect.
Next: 2025-14784 — Visas: Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
The Diversity Visa Program is getting a makeover to stop fraud and make things clearer. Now, applicants must upload a valid passport scan or say why they don’t have one. These changes help consular officers do their job better and start soon, making the process safer and smoother for everyone involved.