WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has announced a proposed rollback of the 2024 “Ten-Day Notices and Corrective Action” rule, seeking to restore a streamlined regulatory process from 2020.
The 2024 rule introduced additional definitions, rigid deadlines, and procedures that the Interior Department argues created confusion and undermined the cooperative federalism outlined by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which establishes states as primary regulators of mining on their own lands.
“This is common sense,” said Adam G. Suess, Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management. “We’re cutting red tape, restoring clarity and respecting states’ right to lead. Federal oversight doesn’t mean federal interference.”
Under the proposed rule, OSMRE aims to simplify coordination with states and eliminate redundancies in inspections and reviews. Key changes include removing arbitrary deadlines, preventing misclassification of state regulators as “persons” subject to ten-day notices unless they act as mine operators, and permitting corrective action plans as an allowable response to violations. Complaints triggering federal action would also require a straightforward justification.
The proposal supports Secretary’s Order 3421, “Achieving Prosperity Through Deregulation,” and complements former President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.” Both efforts emphasize reducing federal bureaucracy and delegating authority to states and localities to stimulate economic growth.
Under the revised framework, OSMRE would deliver ten-day notices only when there is reason to believe a violation exists, resolving issues through collaboration with state authorities rather than federal intervention.
The Department has opened a 30-day public comment period following the proposal’s publication in the Federal Register this week. Public input will contribute to finalizing reforms aimed at simplifying oversight and reinforcing state-led regulatory efforts.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.