CINXE.COM
About OSMRE | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-39841921-1"></script> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments)};gtag("js", new Date());gtag("set", "developer_id.dMDhkMT", true);gtag("config", "UA-39841921-1", {"groups":"default","anonymize_ip":true,"page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_path"});gtag("config", "G-G355EEB84R", {"groups":"default","page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_location"});gtag("config", "GT-TBBPP6M", {"groups":"default","page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_location"});</script> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/osmre/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.osmre.gov/about" /> <link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.osmre.gov/node/281" /> <title>About OSMRE | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/align.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/fieldgroup.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/container-inline.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/clearfix.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/details.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/hidden.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/item-list.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/js.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/nowrap.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/position-container.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/reset-appearance.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/resize.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/system-status-counter.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/system-status-report-counters.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/system-status-report-general-info.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/tablesort.module.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/modules/contrib/ds/css/ds-3col-stacked-fluid.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/modules/contrib/dismissible_message_bar/css/dissmissable_message_bar.css?sn7pdw" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/themes/custom/osmre/assets/css/style.css?sn7pdw" /> <script src="https://kit.fontawesome.com/e701cb4bd8.js" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <!-- We participate in the US government's analytics program. See the data at analytics.usa.gov. --> <script async type="text/javascript" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=OSMRE" id="_fed_an_ua_tag"></script> </head> <body> <a href="#main-content" class="usa-skipnav"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <section class="usa-banner"> <div class="usa-banner"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class="usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/themes/custom/osmre/assets/uswds/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="U.S. flag"> </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text">An official website of the United States government</p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action" aria-hidden="true">Here's how you know</p> </div> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner"> <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here's how you know</span> </button> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/osmre/assets/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" alt="Dot gov"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Official websites use .gov</strong> <br> A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/osmre/assets/uswds/img/icon-https.svg" alt="Https"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong> <br> A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-title banner-lock-description" focusable="false"> <title id="banner-lock-title">Lock</title> <desc id="banner-lock-description">A locked padlock</desc> <path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z"/> </svg> </span> ) or <strong>https://</strong> means you鈥檝e safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="site-alert"> <div> <div id="block-dmbnotificationsblock" class="settings-tray-editable block block-dismissible-message-bar block-dmb-notifications-block" data-drupal-settingstray="editable"> <div><div class="dmb-notifications-ajax-wrapper"></div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended usa-header--extended-megamenu osmre-header" id="header" role="banner"> <div class="region region-header usa-navbar" role="banner"> <div class="usa-logo site-logo osmre-logo" id="logo"> <em class="usa-logo__text"> <a class="logo-img" href="/" accesskey="1" title="Home" aria-label="Home"> <img src="/themes/custom/osmre/OSMLogoColor.png" alt="Home" /> </a> <a href="/" accesskey="1" title="Home" aria-label="Home"> <span>U.S. Department of the Interior</span> Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement </a> </em> </div> <button class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button> </div> <nav class="usa-nav" role="navigation"> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <button type="button" class="usa-nav__close"> <img src="/themes/custom/osmre/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons/close.svg" alt="close"/> </button> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion osmre-nav__primary" role="navigation"> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link usa-current" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-1"> <span>About OSMRE</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu osmre-menu" hidden=""> <div class="osmre-menu-header"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="Read about OSMRE" href="/about"> <span><h3>About OSMRE</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="osmre-menu-row"> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="OSMRE Contacts" class="usa-nav__link" href="/about/general-information"> <span><strong>General Information</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/general-information" > <span>Citizen's Complaint</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/contact-us/map" title="OSMRE Map" > <span>OSMRE Map</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts" title="State & Tribal Contacts" > <span>State and Tribal Contacts</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="Our Mission and Vision Statements" class="usa-nav__link" href="/about/mission-and-vision"> <span><strong>Mission & Vision</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/history" title="OSMRE History" > <span>History</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="OSMRE Offices" class="usa-nav__link" href="/about/offices"> <span><strong>Offices and Organizations</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/principal-deputy-director" title="OSMRE Principal Deputy Director" > <span>OSMRE Principal Deputy Director</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/deputy-director" title="Deputy Director of OSMRE" > <span>OSMRE Deputy Director</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/youth-volunteers" title="Information for Youth and Volunteers" > <span>Volunteers and Internships</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-2"> <span>Programs</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu osmre-menu" hidden=""> <div class="osmre-menu-header"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="OSMRE's main programs" href="/programs"> <span><h3>Programs</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="osmre-menu-row"> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="Reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands" class="usa-nav__link" href="/programs/reclaiming-abandoned-mine-lands"> <span><strong>Reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/abandoned-mine-land-awards-program" title="AML Awards" > <span>Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Awards</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/reclaiming-abandoned-mine-lands/amler" > <span>AML Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/reclaiming-abandoned-mine-lands/amdtreat" title="AMDTreat" > <span>AMDTreat</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/reclamation-in-action" title="Reclamation in Action" > <span>Reclamation in Action</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/e-amlis" title="e-AMLIS" > <span>e-AMLIS</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="Regulating Active Coal Mines" class="usa-nav__link" href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines"> <span><strong>Regulating Active Coal Mines</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/excellence-in-surface-coal-mining-reclamation-awards" title="Active Mine Awards" > <span>Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/regulating-coal-mines/avs" title="Applicant Violator System" > <span>Applicant Violator System</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/blasting" title="Blasting " > <span>Blasting </span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="https://sscr.osmre.gov/" title="Coal Reclamation Fee Report" > <span>Coal Reclamation Fee Report</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/compliance-management" title="Compliance Management" > <span>Compliance Management</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/chia" title="Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment" > <span>Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/federal-lands" > <span>Federal Lands</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/indian-lands" > <span>Indian Lands</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/oversight" title="Oversight" > <span>State and Tribal Oversight</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="Technology Development and Transfer Program" class="usa-nav__link" href="/programs/technology-and-transfer-program"> <span><strong>Technology Development and Transfer Program</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/science" title="Science" > <span>Science</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/technology" title="Technology" > <span>Technology</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/training" title="OSMRE Training" > <span>Training</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/programs/arri" title="Appalachian Region Reforestation Initiative (ARRI)" > <span>Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-3"> <span>Laws & Regulations</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu osmre-menu" hidden=""> <div class="osmre-menu-header"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="OSMRE's Laws and Regulations" href="/laws-and-regulations"> <span><h3>Laws & Regulations</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="osmre-menu-row"> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/authorizations-to-proceed" title="The process in which individual projects are requested and approved is called the Authorization to Proceed (ATP)." > <span>Authorizations to Proceed</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/bil" title="Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" > <span>Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/chronology-of-major-smrca-related-events" title="Chronology of Major SMCRA-Related Events " > <span>Chronology of Major SMCRA-Related Events</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/directives" title="Directives" > <span>Directives</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/environmental-justice" title="Environmental Justice" > <span>Environmental Justice</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/federal-register-notices" title="Federal Register Documentation" > <span>Federal Register Notices</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/information-quality" title="Information Quality " > <span>Information Quality </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="National Environmental Policy Act" class="usa-nav__link" href="/laws-and-regulations/nepa"> <span><strong>National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)</strong></span> </a> </div> <ul id="basic-nav-section-8" class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/nepa/projects" > <span>NEPA Projects and Documentation</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/laws-and-regulations/scientific-integrity" title="Scientific Integrity " > <span>Scientific Integrity </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-4"> <span>Resources</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-4" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu osmre-menu" hidden=""> <div class="osmre-menu-header"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="OSMRE's Resources and Documents" href="/resources"> <span><h3>Resources</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="osmre-menu-row"> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/a-z-index" title="A-Z Index " > <span>A-Z Index </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/annual-reports" title="Annual Reports " > <span>Annual Reports </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/budget-and-planning" title="Budget and Planning" > <span>Budget and Planning</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/careers" title="Information for Prospective Employees " > <span>Careers at OSMRE</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/coalex-reports" title="Coalex Reports " > <span>Coalex Reports </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/education-outreach" title="Education & Outreach" > <span>Education & Outreach</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/federal-assistance-manual" title="Federal Assistance Manual (FAM)" > <span>Federal Assistance Manual</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/forms" title="Forms, Applications, and Instructions" > <span>Forms, Applications, and Instructions</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/faqs" title="FAQs" > <span>Frequently Asked Questions</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/glossary" title="Glossary " > <span>Glossary </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/grants-resources" title="Grants an" > <span>Grants and Funding Opportunities</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="https://www.odocs.osmre.gov/" title="Oversight Document Database (O-Docs)" > <span>Oversight Document Database (O-Docs)</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/reclamation-bonds" title="Reclamation Bonds " > <span>Reclamation Bonds </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/sustainability" title="OSMRE Sustainable Procurement Plan (SPP)" > <span>Sustainability</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/resources/tribal-consultation" > <span>Tribal Consultation</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/vulnerability-disclosure-policy" title="Vulnerability Disclosure Policy" > <span>Vulnerability Disclosure Policy</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-5"> <span>Newsroom</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-5" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu osmre-menu" hidden=""> <div class="osmre-menu-header"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a title="News and communications from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement." href="/news/newsroom"> <span><h3>Newsroom</h3></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="osmre-menu-row"> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/archive" title="OSMRE's News Archive" > <span>Archive</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/fact-sheets" title="OSMRE Fact Sheets" > <span>Fact Sheets</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news" title="Most Recent OSMRE News Releases" > <span>News Releases</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/podcast" title="A podcast dedicated to digging deeper into the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement highlighting stories of the people who work here, and the reclamation projects throughout the states and tribes." > <span>Podcasts</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/social-media" title="Join the conversation with OSMRE on social media" > <span>Social Media</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/stories" title="Stories" > <span>Stories</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/storymaps" title="Learn more about OSMRE and our projects by scrolling through these interactive stories comprised of text, maps, and more multimedia." > <span>Storymaps</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <form class="usa-search usa-search--small" action="/search/node" method="get" id="search-block-form" accept-charset="UTF-8"> <div role="search"> <input class="usa-input" id="extended-search-field-small" type="search" name="keys" /> <button class="usa-button" type="submit"> <img src="/themes/custom/osmre/assets/uswds/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search" /> </button> </div> </form> <ul class="usa-nav__secondary-links"> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a title="Definitions for vocabulary found on OSMRE.gov" href="/resources/a-z-index"> A-Z Index </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <main class="main-content usa-layout-docs usa-section osmre-section" role="main" id="main-content"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row"> </div> <div class=""> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap osmre-row"> <aside class="usa-layout-docs__sidenav desktop:grid-col-3 layout-sidebar-first osmre-sidebar-first" role="complementary"> <div id="block-aboutmenu" class="settings-tray-editable" data-drupal-settingstray="editable"> <ul class="usa-sidenav osmre-sidenav "> <li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown active active-trail first last"> <a title="About OSMRE" class="usa-current" href="/about"> <span>About OSMRE</span> </a> </li> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist osmre-sidenav__sublist "> <li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown first"> <a title="Contact Us" href="/about/general-information"> <span>General Information</span> </a> </li> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist osmre-sidenav__sublist "> <li class="usa-sidenav__item first"> <a title="OSMRE Map" href="/contact-us/map"> <span>OSMRE Map</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item last"> <a title="State & Tribal Contacts" href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts"> <span>State and Tribal Contacts</span> </a> </li> </ul> <li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown"> <a title="Our Mission and Vision Statements" href="/about/mission-and-vision"> <span>Mission and Vision</span> </a> </li> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist osmre-sidenav__sublist "> <li class="usa-sidenav__item first last"> <a title="OSMRE History" href="/about/history"> <span>History</span> </a> </li> </ul> <li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown"> <a href="/about/offices"> <span>Offices and Organization</span> </a> </li> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist osmre-sidenav__sublist "> <li class="usa-sidenav__item first"> <a title="Information and bio about the OSMRE Principle Deputy Director" href="/about/principal-deputy-director"> <span>OSMRE Principal Deputy Director</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a title="OSMRE Deputy Director" href="/about/deputy-director"> <span>OSMRE Deputy Director</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item last"> <a title="Get Involved Youth Initiative " href="/about/youth-volunteers"> <span>Volunteers and Internships</span> </a> </li> </ul> <li class="usa-sidenav__item last"> <a title="Offices and Organization for organization chart" href="/about/offices"> <span>OSMRE Organization Chart</span> </a> </li> </ul> </ul> </div> </aside> <div class="usa-layout-docs__main desktop:grid-col-9 osmre-layout-docs__main"> <h1 class="margin-0"> <span>About OSMRE</span> </h1> <div id="block-osmre-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <div class="node node--type-simple-page node--view-mode-full ds-3col-stacked-fluid clearfix"> <div class="group-header"> <div><!-- Anniversary Text --> <h2>Four Decades of SMCRA in Action</h2> <p>Since August 3, 1977, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), along with its State and Tribal partners, community organizations and industry, has worked to ensure the cleanup of millions of acres of pre- Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) abandoned mine lands and the return of post-SMCRA mined lands to productive and beneficial use. </p> <p>OSMRE established the nationwide program to protect the public and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal mining operations, while balancing the nation鈥檚 need for continued domestic coal production with protection of the environment.</p> <p>OSMRE upholds SMCRA requirements through the following programs:</p> <ul> <li>Title IV of SMCRA - Reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands</li> <li>Title V of SMCRA - Regulating Coal Mines</li> <li>Technology Development and Transfer</li> </ul> <p>Through these programs, OSMRE has launched innovative efforts, such as the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative, the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program, and the design of comprehensive training and technical assistance programs for States and Tribes.</p> <p><img alt="A photo of President Jimmy Carter signing the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 during a signing ceremony." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c4e49bb-6362-4ac5-a8dd-4dc4cacb7669" height="329" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/SMCRA_Signing_President_Jimmy_Carter_1977_0.jpg" width="627" loading="lazy"></p> </div> </div> <div class="group-footer"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--big" role="contentinfo"> <div class="grid-container usa-footer__return-to-top"> <a href="#">Return to top</a> </div> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section osmre-footer-links"> <div class="usa-footer__primary-content"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-12"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible"> <strong><a class="usa-footer__primary-link" href="/about">About OSMRE</a></strong> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="A-Z Index" href="/resources/a-z-index">A-Z Index</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about/general-information">Citizen Complaint</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/contact">Contact</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="General Information about OSMRE" href="/about/general-information">General Information</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="OSMRE's Mission and Vision" href="/mission_and_vision">OSMRE Mission & Vision</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Organization Chart for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement" href="https://www.osmre.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/OSMRE-Organization-Chart-For-OSMRE.gov_.pdf">OSMRE Organization Chart</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="State and Tribal Contacts" href="/contact-us/state-tribal-contacts">State and Tribal Contacts</a> </li> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible"> <strong><a class="usa-footer__primary-link" href="/resources">Resources</a></strong> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Accessibility" href="https://www.doi.gov/accessibility">Accessibility</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Cummings Act Notices" href="https://www.doi.gov/cummings-act-notices">Cummings Act Notices</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="United States Department of the Interior" href="https://www.doi.gov/">Department of the Interior</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="OSMRE Website Disclaimer" href="https://www.doi.gov/disclaimer">Disclaimer</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Freedom of Information Ax=ct" href="https://www.doi.gov/foia">Freedom of Information Act</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="No Fear Act Report Repository" href="https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/reports-repository">No Fear Act Reports</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="OSMRE Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices" href="https://www.doi.gov/privacy">Privacy Policy</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Vulnerability Disclosure Policy" href="/vulnerability-disclosure-policy">Vulnerability Disclosure Policy</a> </li> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible"> <strong><a class="usa-footer__primary-link" href="">Quick Links</a></strong> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System (e-AMLIS) " href="/programs/e-amlis">e-AMLIS</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-coal-mines/avs">Applicant Violator System</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="GeoMine" href="https://geomine.osmre.gov/">GeoMine</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="National Mine Map Repository" href="/programs/national-mine-map-repository">National Mine Map Repository</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a title="Oversight Document Database (O-Docs)" href="https://www.odocs.osmre.gov/">Oversight Document Database (O-Docs)</a> </li> </ul> </section> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/281","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"google_analytics":{"account":"UA-39841921-1","trackOutbound":true,"trackMailto":true,"trackTel":true,"trackDownload":true,"trackDownloadExtensions":"7z|aac|arc|arj|asf|asx|avi|bin|csv|doc(x|m)?|dot(x|m)?|exe|flv|gif|gz|gzip|hqx|jar|jpe?g|js|mp(2|3|4|e?g)|mov(ie)?|msi|msp|pdf|phps|png|ppt(x|m)?|pot(x|m)?|pps(x|m)?|ppam|sld(x|m)?|thmx|qtm?|ra(m|r)?|sea|sit|tar|tgz|torrent|txt|wav|wma|wmv|wpd|xls(x|m|b)?|xlt(x|m)|xlam|xml|z|zip","trackDomainMode":1},"dmbNotificationEntities":[],"dmbNotifications":{"dmb-notifications-ajax-wrapper":{"notificationWrapper":".dmb-notifications-ajax-wrapper","contentType":"simple_page","contentPath":"\/about","notificationType":""}},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"08c51cb45c67693583fd9733aa50649553a9be0c34930bbd0559e87b2549844f"}}</script> <script src="/core/assets/vendor/jquery/jquery.min.js?v=3.7.1"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupalSettingsLoader.js?v=10.3.2"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupal.js?v=10.3.2"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupal.init.js?v=10.3.2"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_analytics/js/google_analytics.js?v=10.3.2"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/osmre/assets/uswds/js/uswds.min.js?sn7pdw"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/dismissible_message_bar/js/dismissible_message_bar.js?v=1.1"></script> </body> </html>