Kentucky Proposes Mining Bond Calculation Overhaul
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Kentucky wants to update its mining rules by adding a clear definition for “long-term treatment” and explaining how extra bonds for it should be calculated. This affects mining companies and the state’s oversight process, aiming to keep the environment safer for longer. You’ve got until December 17, 2025, to share your thoughts, and there might be a public hearing on December 12 if enough people ask for it.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Specifies Calculation of Long-Term Treatment Bonds
Kentucky proposes to amend KRS 350.060 to specify how additional bonds for long-term treatment are to be calculated (Senate Bill 89, 2025 KY. Acts ch. 119, sec. 4). This provision in program amendment KY-267 (submitted June 5, 2025) would affect operators required to post additional bonds for long-term treatment if the amendment is approved into the State program.
Aims to Extend Environmental Protections
The amendment says its purpose is to keep the environment safer for longer by defining "long-term treatment" and tying additional bonding to it (Senate Bill 89, 2025 KY. Acts ch. 119). If approved and incorporated into Kentucky's SMCRA program (KY-267), the change would affect how long-term treatment obligations are enforced in the State.
Adds 'Long-Term Treatment' Definition
Kentucky proposes to add a statutory definition for "long-term treatment" to Kentucky Revised Statutes KRS 350.10(27) as part of program amendment KY-267 (Senate Bill 89, 2025 KY. Acts ch. 119, sec. 3). This change was submitted to OSMRE by letter dated June 5, 2025 and would become part of the State program under SMCRA if approved.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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