Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Happy Valentine's Day! Since 1977, OSMRE, along with State and Tribal partners, community organizations and industry, has worked to ensure the cleanup of millions of acres of pre- Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) abandoned mine lands and the return of post-SMCRA mined lands to productive and beneficial use. It's how we show love for energy, environment, and the American people!

This Black History Month, OSMRE is proud to share the story of A Bright Spot In A Dark History: In this episode of Reclaim Restore & More, we speak with members of the National Mine Map Repository, a program area within OSMRE charged with maintaining an archive of mine maps for mines throughout the United States. Their expertise led to an investigation of historical accounts and the findings set the stage for an exciting commentary on life at the intersection of American history and coal mining in Wake Forest, Virginia. Learn more about cold case mapping projects and civil war era coal mining families by reading the story here: https://ow.ly/F7j050UVJzP or listening to the podcast here: https://ow.ly/EApc50UVJzR

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of technical education and workforce development in preparing individuals for high-demand careers. To celebrate, today we're highlighting OSMRE's National Technical Training Program! Since 1985,NTTP has provided ongoing education to increase the technical competence and professionalism of Federal, State, and Tribal personnel. Training, from aquatic biology and agronomy to blasting and bond release, serves to build the technical expertise of stakeholders and fosters consistent application of SMCRA standards. Learn more about NTTP opportunities at: https://lnkd.in/e7wcPuvK

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of technical education and workforce development in preparing individuals for high-demand careers. To celebrate, today we're highlighting OSMRE's Technical Innovation and Professional Services Training Program! A collaborative effort between OSMRE, States, and Tribes, the TIPS Training Program educates hundreds of students annually in the use of state-of-the-art scientific and engineering tools. The training provided can be found nowhere else and is considered a “one of a kind” opportunity. SMCRA application of those tools represents the most requested and widely supported component of the TIPS program! Learn more about TIPS opportunities at: https://lnkd.in/gUMec74H

💸$1.6 million available via OSMRE’s Applied Science Program! 💸 The Applied Science Program supports research projects to develop and demonstrate improved science-based technologies to address environmental and restoration topics related to the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Such efforts are needed to enhance methods to extract critical rare earths from coal waste, improve reforestation, protect prime farmland, mitigate environmental hazards, and locate underground mines in coal communities across the nation. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, Native American Tribal organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. Applicants may request funding up to $200,000 that is awarded through a cooperative agreement. Generally, agreements do not exceed two years from the date of award. Proposals are due by March 21. Learn more at: https://ow.ly/e8hJ50USIuK

💸$1.6 million available via OSMRE’s Applied Science Program! 💸 OSMRE’s Applied Science Program supports research projects to develop and demonstrate improved science-based technologies to address environmental and restoration topics related to the implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, Native American Tribal organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. Applicants may request funding up to $200,000 that is awarded through a cooperative agreement. Generally, agreements do not exceed two years from the date of award. Proposals due by March 21. Read the news at: https://ow.ly/V4af50UI4wz For information about the notice of funding opportunity, visit https://ow.ly/Uh7w50UI4wx. For more information about the Applied Science Program, visit https://ow.ly/Ej4v50UI4ww

📣 The Department of the Interior has announced more than $46 million in FY24 funding to address dangerous and polluting abandoned mine lands and catalyze economic opportunity in coal communities across Ohio! Ohio also received nearly $300,000 to update its abandoned mine land inventory in support of future remediation efforts. “Legacy pollution continues to impact far too many waterways and neighborhoods in rural America. Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are making once-in-a-generation investments to clean up environmental hazards that are harming local communities,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Reclaiming and restoring these sites will create jobs, revitalize economic activity, and advance outdoor recreation across the country for the benefit of future generations.” Read the news at: https://ow.ly/E3Xr50UHO3C Ohio Department of Natural Resources

OSMRE Western Region staff and the Division of Financial Management recently teamed up to visit a 12 acre restoration site in Boulder County, Colorado. The project, funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes excavation, land re-contouring, and trail restoration. Seeing their work in action and learning about each aspect of mitigation was a fulfilling field experience for everyone!

📣 Announcing funding for Illinois! The Department of the Interior today announced more than $75 million in FY24 funding to address dangerous and polluting abandoned mine lands and catalyze economic opportunity in coal communities across Illinois. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law infuses coal communities with the funding necessary to turn past pollution into future prosperity,” said OSMRE Principal Deputy Director Sharon Buccino. “This historic funding is making people safer, cleaning up the environment, and creating jobs. Outcomes that these communities need and deserve.” Read the full news release at: https://ow.ly/YcaJ50UGfSU

OSMRE today released the Spring Creek Mine Federal Mining Plan Modification Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS analyzes the environmental impacts of the Navajo Transitional Energy Company’s proposed mine plan modification at the Spring Creek Mine in Big Horn County, Montana. Read the news at: https://lnkd.in/gJQKvqaK For information on the project, visit: https://lnkd.in/eMz98FtT Photo of Spring Creek Mine courtesy of Navajo Transitional Energy Company.