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 permissible uses of the fund, which include reclamation of land and water resources affected by past mining practices, as well as the prevention and treatment of water pollution and subsidence.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new special fund for the restoration of ecosystems affected by abandoned mines, specifying that up to thirty percent of annual federal grants can be allocated for addressing issues such as acid mine drainage and coal mine fires. It also clarifies the eligibility of lands and waters for reclamation, emphasizing that they must have been abandoned or inadequately reclaimed prior to August 3, 1977, and outlines the commission's authority to administer the reclamation program with a focus on public health and safety. The bill reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the environmental impacts of both coal and noncoal mining practices 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