Mining Office Scrubs Outdated Funds from State Grant Rules

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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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.

2026-21726, 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 mining near alluvial valley floors stays safe and follows the rules. This affects mining companies who must keep protecting these special areas. They’re asking for public comments by November 25, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a renewal to keep things running smoothly.

2026-21835, Wyoming Regulatory Program

Wyoming fixed some typos in its coal mining rules that the federal government asked them to correct. These changes help keep mining safe and clean while following the law. The updated rules take effect on November 25, 2026, and mainly affect coal miners and regulators in Wyoming.

2026-21807, Ohio Regulatory Program

Ohio is updating its mining rules by changing 39 regulations about permits, maps, and safety programs. These changes affect miners, especially those applying for permits or involved in special mining categories. The new rules kick in on November 25, 2026, aiming to keep mining safe and fair without extra costs.

2026-17821, Montana Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) published a document in the Federal Register on August 21, 2026, not approving, with one exception, an amendment to the Montana regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). OSM made an error in the document by adding an entry to 30 CFR 926.12 at paragraph (c), a paragraph that already existed. This document corrects the final regulation.

2026-17333, Montana Regulatory Program

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are denying an amendment to the Montana regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to OSM on its own initiative in response to a State law passed by the Montana Legislature (Senate Bill (SB) 392). The proposed amendment would have added a provision requiring equal application of court costs to the prevailing party in contested case proceedings by a court or administrative agency that issues a decision. The proposal would have also amended the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to refer to the proposed equal application of court costs rule. Finally, SB 392 includes contingencies that apply to the proposed amendment but are not codified into the MCA: codification instructions, a severability clause, an effective date clause, and an applicability statement.

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.