Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Its primary role is to oversee and ensure the responsible management of coal mining activities, focusing on minimizing environmental impacts and restoring land after mining operations end. OSMRE promotes regulations that protect water quality, wildlife, and local communities while balancing the need for energy resources. By working with states and tribes, it aims to ensure that mining practices are sustainable and that areas affected by mining are reclaimed effectively for future use.