Mining Cleanup Funds Rules Pushed Back to March 2026
Published Date: 1/27/2026
Rule
Summary
The Office of Surface Mining is pushing back the start date for new rules about how States and Tribes use special Treasury funds for land cleanup projects. They’re taking more time to review public feedback before finalizing changes that could affect how money is spent and rules are followed. The new effective date is now March 30, 2026, giving everyone a bit more breathing room.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
60-Day Delay of Rule Effective Date
The Office of Surface Mining delayed the effective date of the November 28, 2025 direct final rule from January 27, 2026 to March 30, 2026. OSM says the 60-day delay lets it review comments received by the December 29, 2025 comment deadline before deciding whether to respond, withdraw, or modify the rule.
Planned Rescission of Compliance Requirement
The direct final rule would rescind 30 CFR 874.11(b), which currently clarifies that States and Tribes must follow part 874 when spending prior balance replacement funds (Treasury General Fund moneys that replaced State/Tribal share funds allocated before October 1, 2007). The Department and OSM stated they consider 874.11(b) obsolete, but OSM is reviewing potentially significant adverse comments before finalizing any rescission.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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