Mining Office Scrubs Outdated Funds from State Grant Rules
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Rule
Summary
This update clears out old, unused money rules from the grant process for certified States and Indian Tribes involved in mining cleanup. It makes sure only current, real funds get counted starting January 23, 2026, so everyone knows exactly what cash is available. If anyone has big concerns, they can speak up by December 24, 2025, before the changes take effect.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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.
2025-21782 — 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20804 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for Boeing airplanes after a scary accident where an engine fell off during takeoff. Now, more Boeing models like the MD-10 and DC-10 series must be inspected and fixed before flying again. These new rules start December 1, 2025, and could cost operators some time and money but keep everyone safer in the sky.
Next: 2025-20826 — Minimum Program Make Up Funds
Starting January 23, 2026, the government is cleaning up old rules about special funds given to States and Tribes for mining programs. They’re removing outdated references and canceling a schedule that ended years ago, so the money rules are clearer and simpler. This update mainly affects States and Tribes involved in mining programs, with no new money changes but a smoother process ahead.