Unfortunately, until the late 1970's, coal companies, like the rest of us, paid little attention to the environment. Once the coal was removed, the mine was often abandoned. Since then, strict laws regulate all phases of the mining processes. While the primary one is the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, there are some 22 additional Federal Laws including:

• Clean Air Act
• Clean Water Act
• National Environmental Policy Act
• American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978
• Antiquities Act of 1906
• Archeological Historical Preservation Act of 1974
• Bald Eagle Preservation Act of 1969
• Endangered Species Act of 1963
• Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934
• Forest and Rangeland Resources Planning Act of 1974
• Historic Preservation Act of 1966
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
• Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970
• Multiple Use-Sustained Yield /Act of 1960
• National Forests Management act of 1976
• National Trails System Act
• Noise Control Act of 1976
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
• Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974
• Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977
• Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
• Wilderness Act of 1964

Plus numerous state and local Acts and Laws, Procedures and Policies.

With lists like this, it is remarkable that the miners can mine. All in all, the laws have worked extraordinarily well, the land is being restored to the original contours, replanted with native plants and animal habitats constructed. Unless you know the mine, it is often difficult to tell what is original and what is reclaimed. Companies are required to post reclamation bonds as high as $10,000 per acre to ensure reclamation.