Mining Cleanup Reports Face Another Routine Renewal

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The Office of Surface Mining is officially wiping away old coal fee rates that covered 2012 to 2021 because they’re outdated.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

2026-21807, 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.

2026-21835, 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.

2026-21726, 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.

2026-17821, 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: 2026-12281, Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

The CDC wants your thoughts on a plan to keep checking workplace health hazards like chemicals and noise. This affects workers, employers, and safety pros who rely on these checks to stay safe. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, and the goal is to keep the process smooth without adding extra paperwork or costs.

Next: 2026-12285, 737th Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS)

The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) is meeting July 8-10, 2026, to focus on updating how nuclear reactors get licensed and checked for safety. They’re trimming down their work to only the most important and new issues, thanks to a recent government order. This means faster, smarter reviews that affect nuclear plant operators and the public, with meetings open for remote participation and no big cost changes expected.