Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), enacted in 1977, regulates coal mining in the United States to protect the environment and communities. It requires mining companies to minimize land disruption during extraction and to restore the land afterward. This means companies must implement plans to reclaim the area, making it safe and usable again, whether for wildlife or recreation. The act also established the Office of Surface Mining to oversee compliance and ensure that mining operations are conducted responsibly, balancing energy needs with environmental preservation.