The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning the reclamation of abandoned surface mines. It defines an "abandoned mine reclamation plan" to include the legal authority and programmatic capability to perform reclamation work as required by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Additionally, it establishes a state abandoned mine reclamation fund, detailing the sources of revenue and the purposes for which the funds can be used, including the reclamation of land and water resources adversely affected by past mining practices. The bill also creates a special fund for the restoration of ecosystems impacted by abandoned mines, specifying that up to thirty percent of annual federal grants can be allocated for this purpose.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the eligibility criteria for lands and waters that can receive reclamation or drainage abatement expenditures, emphasizing the need for certification from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. It authorizes the commission to administer the abandoned mine reclamation program, establishing priorities for fund expenditure that focus on public health and safety, as well as the restoration of degraded land and water resources. The bill also allows for the protection from hazards related to noncoal mining practices, with provisions for expedited action upon request from the governor. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the reclamation efforts and ensure the responsible management of abandoned mining sites in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 38-14.2-02, 38-14.2-04, 38-14.2-06, 38-14.2-07
Adopted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 38-14.2-02, 38-14.2-04, 38-14.2-06, 38-14.2-07
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 38-14.2-02, 38-14.2-04, 38-14.2-06, 38-14.2-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Porter: 38-14.2-02, 38-14.2-04, 38-14.2-06, 38-14.2-07
Enrollment: 38-14.2-02, 38-14.2-04, 38-14.2-06, 38-14.2-07
INTRODUCED: 38-14.2-02, 38-14.2-04, 38-14.2-06, 38-14.2-07