North Dakota’s coal regulatory and abandoned mine land programs have received high marks from the federal Office of Surface Mining.
The reports come from the year that ended June 30th.
The programs are under the Public Service Commission. Commission chairman Randy Christmann said the reports show North Dakota has a cost-effective program that doesn’t need any corrective action.
"Most states that I'm aware of have corrective actions in their reports," Christmann said. "The bottom line here is -- there's no issues or concerns that were raised in either of these reports. We have an effective and efficient coal regulatory and AML program."
OSM also commended the state for its ability to work with mining companies to solve problems. Commissioner Julie Fedorchak said the Commission staff has a good partnership with all the stakeholders – including industry and landowners.
"That's what this is all about," Fedorchak said. "It's trying to find that balance, to develop the resource, while also satisfying the folks who live in and around it, and retuning the land back to its useful purpose afterwards."
North Dakota’s coal programs have consistently received good marks from the feds.
