OSMFinal Rule

Montana Regulatory Program

EnergyEnvironment

Summary

This regulation from the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) establishes rules for how Montana manages coal mining and related activities on its lands. The rules ensure mining companies follow environmental standards to protect Montana's water, air, and soil for residents and future generations.

Key Points

  • 1Montana must approve and oversee coal mining permits to make sure companies meet federal environmental standards
  • 2Mining companies are required to restore land after they finish mining so it can be used again for other purposes
  • 3The regulation protects Montana's water resources by requiring companies to manage and treat water properly around mining sites
  • 4State inspectors will monitor mines regularly to ensure companies follow the rules and don't damage the environment
  • 5This program affects coal mining operations across Montana and the communities that live near mining areas

Impact Assessment

If you are an energy company operating coal mines in Montana, this means you must implement environmental controls and monitoring systems to protect water, air, and soil quality, which will increase operational costs and require ongoing compliance documentation.

Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope

State-specific

Compliance Cost

Significant

Who is Affected
Energy CompaniesWorkers/LaborersState GovernmentsFarmers

Key Dates

Published

February 13, 2026

Regulatory Connections

Amends CFR Sections
30 CFR Part 75030 CFR Part 78030 CFR Part 816

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.