Zasoby i środowisko · 22/09/2004

Coal Production Fees and Fee Allocation; Republication

This rule sets forth the criteria and procedures that we are proposing to use to establish fees under the abandoned mine reclamation program provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The fixed-rate fees established under SMCRA expire September 30, 2004. However, the Act requires that, for coal produced after that date, fees be established to continue to provide for transfers from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (the AML Fund or the Fund) to the Combined Benefit Fund (the Combined Fund or CBF). This proposed rule would implement that requirement in part. We are also publishing a final rule in today's Federal Register that mirrors the fee establishment criteria and procedures in this proposed rule and establishes a fee for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2004. Comments received on this proposed rule will assist us in determining whether to modify that final rule. We are also proposing to revise our regulations governing allocation and disposition of the fees collected and of other AML Fund income.