Federal Register #2026-17055

OSM issues final rule not approving most amendments to Montana's surface mining regulatory program

This notice from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) addresses regulatory amendments to Montana's surface mining program. - Government Buyer: - Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), U.S. Department of the Interior - Regulatory Action: - OSM reviewed amendments proposed by the Montana legislature via House Bill 328 - Amendments included adding a definition for 'affected drainage basin' and revising bond release application requirements - OSM Findings: - Identified unclear definitions and inconsistencies with state and federal regulations - Majority of proposed amendments not approved, with one exception - Procurement Details: - No OEMs or vendors mentioned - No products or services requested - Notice is regulatory, not a procurement opportunity

Description

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is not approving, with one exception, an amendment to the Montana regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). The amendment involves Montana House Bill 328, which proposes to add a definition of affected drainage basin to the Montana Code Annotated and changes to bond release application requirements. The OSM identified concerns with the amendment, including unclear definitions and inconsistencies with existing rules, leading to the non-approval decision. The effective date of this final rule is September 21, 2026.

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