Texas Regulatory Program

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are approving three amendments to the Texas regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Texas at its own initiative submitted three separate amendments to its program: SATS Nos. TX-061-FOR, TX-062-FOR, and TX- 063-FOR. Texas proposed revisions in TX-061-FOR by adding language that no longer requires an operation with only reclamation activities ongoing to renew their mining permit, to clarify the requirement to maintain public liability insurance for sites where the permit is not renewed because the only activities ongoing are reclamation, and to clarify midterm review times for sites where the permit is not renewed because the only ongoing activities are reclamation. Texas proposed revisions in TX-062-FOR by adding a new definition for "Previously mined land," adding new language on the effects of previous mining violations from operations on previously mined lands in relation to permit application denials, and adding new language explaining performance standards for revegetation liability timeframes for coal mining and reclamation operations. Texas proposed revisions in TX-063-FOR by adding a new definition for "Director;" deleting old language, and adding new language clarifying the review periods for new permits, renewals, and significant revisions. Texas revised its program to improve operational efficiency.