Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

The Federal Financial Assistance Manual is key to ensuring OSMRE’s funding is managed effectively for projects that clean up mining-impacted lands, improve water quality, and enhance community safety. By following clear guidelines, the FFAM helps OSMRE, and its partners deliver results that matter to local communities. As a stakeholder, understanding these processes ensures transparency, accountability, and the success of the projects you’re involved in. Access the FFAM here: https://lnkd.in/eRt-xbB5

Get your submissions in now! 🔥 OSMRE is soliciting nominations for the Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards, the highest honor given to coal mine operators for exemplary coal mine reclamation in the United States. Nominations are due by June 8! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ehudbwcn

At OSMRE, every day is an opportunity to protect our planet and its resources. This #EarthDay, we’re spotlighting the Chaffey Run Strip Reclamation Project in Davis, West Virginia! The Chaffey Run Strip Project reclaimed a mine subsidence feature responsible for allowing the loss of between 200 to 450 million gallons of water a year to underground mine workings, creating an influx of acid mine drainage throughout multiple watersheds. Through innovative reclamation efforts, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation not only sealed this underground escape route but also restored critical habitats for multiple threatened and endangered species. Visit www.osmre.gov to learn more about our ongoing efforts to reclaim mines and protect local ecosystems.

During an early April visit to a Phase III reclamation site at the North Antelope Rochelle Mine, OSMRE staff proudly observed these elk! In total, staff estimated the herd included about 60 individuals. Located in Campbell County, WY, this is the largest coal mine in the world! Explore more about North Antelope Rochelle Complex Mines thanks to our friends at USGS: https://ow.ly/FJ4050VyYlR

OSMRE’s Regulatory Program Office and Abandoned Mine Land Program Office are essential to ensuring safe mining practices, supporting energy dominance, economic growth and sustainability, and leading key reclamation efforts. These offices provide a direct line for communities and stakeholders to engage in public safety and reclamation of the country’s mine lands.     For more info, visit: https://osmre.gov/programs

The Department of the Interior today announced the disbursement of more than $13 million in grants to support the reclamation of abandoned mine lands, furthering the Trump administration’s commitment to American Energy Dominance, environmental stewardship and economic renewal in coal communities. This funding, administered through OSMRE, will support job creation and economic revitalization efforts in regions historically impacted by coal mining. The grants include approximately $3.1 million to North Dakota, $8.6 million to Tennessee and $1.3 million to Texas. Read the news at: https://lnkd.in/gf_PcH-z

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS! 🏆 OSMRE is accepting nominations for the 2025 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards! These awards are the highest honor given to coal mining companies for exemplary coal mine reclamation in the United States. OSMRE must receive nominations by June 8. Submit nominations or questions about the awards by emailing awards@osmre.gov. The National Award recognizes achievement in a specific aspect of reclamation or for overall performance in meeting goals of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. The Good Neighbor Award is given to mine operators for successfully working with surrounding landowners and the community while completing mining and reclamation work. For more information about the awards, eligibility, and the nomination process and requirements, visit Excellence in Reclamation Awards at: https://ow.ly/TgRT50VwS9f Learn more from the full news release at: https://ow.ly/lRH950VwS9g 📸This partially demolished structure displays the reclamation efforts of the 2024 Good Neighbor Award Recipient: Black Mesa Pipeline LLC (ONEOK) - The Preparation Plant and Pump Station No. 1 Reclamation Project in Navajo County, AZ! (Courtesy photo)

#Geologists play a key role in studying Earth's history, structure, and natural processes—and are vital to OSMRE’s work! Happy #GeologistsDay! If you’re a geologist involved in coal mining regulation and reclamation, our National Technical Training Program can help you rock your skills even more! Find the training schedule for in-person and online courses here: https://lnkd.in/gX4eGW8n

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS! 🏆 OSMRE is accepting nominations for the 2025 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards! These awards, presented in partnership with the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs, recognize outstanding state and Tribal efforts to reclaim abandoned coal mines. Nominations must be received by OSMRE by June 1. Submit nominations or questions about the awards by emailing awards@osmre.gov For more information about the awards, eligibility, and the nomination process and requirements, visit AML Reclamation Awards at: https://ow.ly/UgCk50VkZAe Learn more from the full news release at: https://lnkd.in/gKVWwrMG 📸This aerial view beautifully displays the recipient of the 2024 National Award for reclamation at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County, AL! Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Labor Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, who was recognized for exemplary work.

Christy Hulsman Luciani has served with OSMRE since 2007 and has been an authorized representative, or inspector, for fifteen years. Her journey began as a Student-Career Experience Program intern, then Christy officially started working with OSMRE the weekend after graduating with a geology/environmental studies degree from the University of Kentucky! During #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the important contributions of women in science, like Christy, whose hard work and leadership help achieve the mission of OSMRE! In her primarily field-based roles stationed out of Kentucky then Colorado, Christy has loved that this work provides the opportunity to meet diverse groups of people and visit amazing places. Some of her most interesting stories are thanks to weather and airport logistics - “I almost got struck by lightning during a monsoon at a Navajo Nation site; Slogged through the mud, rain, and thorny blackberry brambles for 5 years in Washington; Discovered fresh bear scat at a mine in Alaska; And learned how to dress and prepare for field work when it's below 0 and over 100 degrees, all at the same site in the span of 6 months.”