MississippiSB 27602026 Regular SessionSenate

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality; remove the state geologist from certain surface mining provisions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

MDEQ staff now lead mining reviews

Beginning July 1, 2026, state law treats Environmental Quality as the named natural-resources department. For surface mining, “Department” means Environmental Quality acting through the Office of Geology and Energy Resources. Department staff, not the State Geologist, now write public summaries, do water-impact reviews, and lead land-suitability studies with public input. Mining plans must prevent material damage to water outside the permit area. The Permit Board now consults the Department to set performance bonds; the minimum for a permit area stays $10,000. The Office of Geology’s head must not take part in Permit Board actions under this chapter.

More support tools for State Geologist

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Geologist can use the State Chemist’s lab for testing and chemical analysis. The State Geologist can also request written legal opinions from the Attorney General at no fee.

Quicker mine inspections and shutdowns

Beginning July 1, 2026, the executive director or a designee can order inspections of surface coal mines. They can stop operations when violations or imminent danger exist and set cleanup deadlines up to 90 days. They can also start show‑cause actions and ask the Permit Board to suspend or revoke permits. These steps help protect nearby people and the environment.

State program to fix abandoned mines

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office of Geology runs the state’s abandoned mine land program. The executive director must file annual federal grant applications with required project details. When using the Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Account, the department must hold a public hearing at least 30 days before each annual grant submission.

Surface owners get a say on leases

Beginning July 1, 2026, department geology staff must talk with each surface owner before including their land in a state coal lease for surface mining. The state should avoid leasing when many surface owners object. This rule applies to leasing for surface mining, not underground mining.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brian Rhodes
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 159 • No: 9

House vote • 3/5/2026

Passed

Yes: 108 • No: 8

Senate vote • 2/11/2026