10 Things to Know About How OSMRE Supports America’s Energy Legacy and Communities

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, a bureau in the U.S. Department of the Interior, plays a vital role in supporting energy development, preserving America's working lands, and protecting mining communities. As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, OSMRE will share how our employees and programs-through oversight, regulation, and reclamation-and its employees help protect people, land, and water in communities shaped by coal mining: an industry that has powered generations of American growth and prosperity.

Here are 10 things you should know about our role in supporting America's energy story.

1. We Oversee Active Coal Mining and Restoration of Mined Land

OSMRE's work includes oversight of current surface coal mining operations and contemporaneous reclamation, as well as reclamation of abandoned mine lands, many of which date back generations. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) established a national framework to ensure coal mining supports America's energy needs while protecting communities and restoring landscapes shaped by earlier eras of development.

Title V of SMCRA governs active mining and reclamation operations, while Title IV authorizes the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program, which addresses legacy hazards. Together, these authorities guide how mining impacts are managed and how mining lands are restored.

2. We Support a Federalist Model That Works

Most surface coal mines are regulated by state and tribal programs that have approved SMCRA primacy. Under this system, states and tribes are responsible for permitting, inspections, and enforcement. OSMRE provides federal oversight to ensure national standards are consistently met and offers technical support.

Currently, 24 states have primacy. This cooperative federalism model emphasizes drawing on local knowledge and expertise.

3. We Uphold Government-to-Government Responsibilities on Indian Lands

On Indian lands, OSMRE acts as the regulatory authority unless a tribe has an approved primacy program. We carry out these responsibilities while consulting with tribal leadership through a government-to-government process. This work reflects a long-standing federal responsibility to consult with tribes and respect sovereignty while ensuring environmental protection and public safety.

4. We Help Make Legacy Mining Areas Safer for Future Generations

Abandoned mine lands can pose serious safety risks, including open mine shafts, unstable highwalls, subsidence, and polluted water. These hazards affect nearby residents, recreational users, infrastructure, and first responders.

Through reclamation, OSMRE and its state and tribal partners stabilize dangerous features and improve environmental quality. This work transforms legacy mining areas into safer landscapes that communities can rely on today and into the future.

5. We Have Invested Billions in Restoring Land and Water

The Abandoned Mine Land program has invested billions of dollars in coal communities to address environmental damage caused by mining conducted before 1977.

These projects stabilize land, improve stream health, and reduce long-term risks to communities. The investments reflect a sustained national commitment to repairing historic impacts while protecting America's natural resources.

6. We Support Economic Renewal in Mining Communities

While most reclamation projects focus on safety and environmental restoration, targeted initiatives, such as the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, help prepare areas affected by legacy mining for reuse and redevelopment where conditions allow.

Funding from reclamation fees and congressional appropriations supports eligible states and tribes in carrying out projects that can create jobs and improve infrastructure. This investment reinforces the resiliency of coalfield communities and strengthens local economies.

7. We Support Coal Miners and Their Families

Coal miners have been critical to powering America's industrial growth and energy security. Each year, OSMRE transfers more than $1 billion to the United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds to support health care and pension benefits for eligible coal miners and their beneficiaries.

8. We Uphold Environmental Reviews to Ensure Responsible Stewardship

Environmental reviews are central to how OSMRE carries out its responsibilities. Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we evaluate potential environmental impacts of federal actions.

These reviews support informed decision-making, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public lands and resources, while providing opportunities for public participation.

9. We Maintain Standards that Keep Our Nation Strong

OSMRE helps ensure national standards are applied consistently. Whether through direct regulation or oversight of state and tribal programs, our work supports safe, responsible mining across the country through inspections, compliance oversight, guidance, technical assistance, and training.

This approach helps ensure SMCRA requirements are implemented effectively across the country, supporting responsible mining and reclamation practices nationwide.

10. We Collaborate with Partners to Advance Our Mission

We partner with states, tribes, local governments, landowners, and communities to ensure reclamation projects meet statutory requirements while reflecting local priorities.

Members of the public may report concerns, access information, and learn about mining and reclamation activities through appropriate state, tribal, or federal channels. These partnerships help make reclamation more effective, transparent, and responsive to community needs.

Coal mining has played a defining role in America's economic and industrial history. As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, OSMRE will continue to protect public safety, restore land and water, support mining communities, and steward the landscapes that tell America's energy story.