Surface+Mining+Control+and+Reclamation+Act+of+1977

Name of Act: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 Year: 1977 National: Only United States

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, which is also known as SMCRA, was enacted in 1977 after the United States Congress recognized the need to regulate mining activity and protect the environment from the effects of mining operations. This act requires that the impacts on fish, wildlife and other related environmental values to be reduced. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act created two programs. These programs included one that regulates active coal mines and the other one is for reclaiming abandoned mine lands  The agency or group responsible for regulation and enforcement is the Department of Interior.

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Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcment []

The Encyclopedia of Earth Robyn Kenney []

Answers.com []