Office of Surface Mining News Release |
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July 1, 2004 For immediate release | Contact: Mike Gauldin (202) 208-2565 mgauldin@osmre.gov |
OSM funds programs to protect people and environment during coal mining (WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton today announced that the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining has awarded North Dakota $501,824 as initial funding for the state's FY2004 Administration and Enforcement grant. "This grant, combined with state matching funds, will support North Dakota's program to inspect active coal mines and enforce Surface Mining Act requirements. It is crucial to protect people and the environment during mining and ensure prompt land restoration afterward," said Norton. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, the law that regulates coal mining throughout the country, established a coordinated effort between the states and the federal government to prevent abuses that characterized surface coal mining in the past. The Law gives states authority to regulate active coal mining and also fund reclamation of abandoned mine problems. The OSM grant, together with state matching funds, will cover costs of salary and fringe benefits for 8.7 staff positions involved in the regulation of active coal mines. North Dakota has 33 active units to inspect and annual coal production of 31 million tons.
High resolution photos of AML problems are available online at www.osmre.gov. |