The United States BUDGET Department of the Interior

JUSTIFICATIONS 

and Performance Information 

Fiscal Year 2025 

OFFICE OF 

SURFACE MINING 

RECLAMATION AND 

ENFORCEMENT

NOTICE: These budget 

justifications are prepared 

for the Interior, Environment 

and Related Agencies 

Appropriations 

Subcommittees. Approval for 

release of the justifications 

prior to their printing in 

the public record of the 

Subcommittee hearings 

may be obtained through 

the Office of Budget of the 

Department of the Interior.

Printed on 

Recycled Paper
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................... 1

Overview ...................................................................................................................... 1

Budget Highlights........................................................................................................ 5

Appropriation Language............................................................................................ 7

Summary of Requirements ...................................................................................... 10

BUDGET AT A GLANCE ....................................................................................... 14

ACCOUNT: REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY........................................... 18

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION .................................................................... 22

State and Tribal Funding ................................................................................... 25

State Program Evaluation ................................................................................. 26

Federal and Indian Lands Programs ................................................................ 29

Program Development and Maintenance .......................................................... 34

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities........................... 37

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments ................................................................ 38

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER....................................... 39

Technical Assistance ........................................................................................... 42

Technical Training ............................................................................................. 43

Technology Transfer .......................................................................................... 45

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities ......................... 49

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments ................................................................. 50

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT............................................................................... 51

Revenue Management ........................................................................................ 53

Grants Financial Management .......................................................................... 53

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities ......................... 54

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments ................................................................. 54

EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND ADMINISTRATION ...................................... 55

Executive Direction ................................................................................................... 59

Office of the Director (DIR) ............................................................................... 59

Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) ................................................................ 59

Office of Communications (OC) ........................................................................ 60

Office of Planning, Analysis and Budget (OPAB) ........................................... 61

Information Resources Office (IRO)................................................................. 61

Office of Administration (OA) ........................................................................... 62

Office of Human Resources (OHR)................................................................... 63

Financial Management ....................................................................................... 64

Information Management and Technology (IMT) ................................... 64

General Services .................................................................................................. 65

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities ......................... 66

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments ................................................................. 68

i
Table of Contents 

ACCOUNT: ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND ............................ 70

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION.................................................................. 75

State and Tribal Funding ................................................................................... 80

State and Tribal Program Evaluation ............................................................. 81

Federal Reclamation Program ......................................................................... 81

Program Development and Maintenance ........................................................ 84

AML Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program ....................................... 85

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities ......................... 86

FY 2023 Major Accomplishments..................................................................... 87

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER....................................... 88

Technical Assistance ........................................................................................... 91

Technical Training ............................................................................................. 93

Technology Transfer .......................................................................................... 93

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities ......................... 95

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments ................................................................. 96

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT............................................................................... 97

Fee Compliance ................................................................................................. 100

Grant Financial Management ......................................................................... 103

UMWA Fund Transfer Service ....................................................................... 104

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities ....................... 106

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments ............................................................... 106

EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND ADMINISTRATION .................................... 107

Financial Management ..................................................................................... 109

Acquisition Management.................................................................................. 109

Information Management and Technology (IMT) ........................................ 110

General Services ................................................................................................ 110

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities ....................... 112

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments ............................................................... 114

BUDGET EXHIBITS ............................................................................................. 115

Exhibit A: Section 403 Compliance................................................................. 116

Mandatory Funding for States and Tribes, FY 2023-2025 ........................... 118

Organizational Chart........................................................................................ 119

Abandoned Mine Land Program States and Tribes ...................................... 120

Regulatory Programs and Office Locations................................................... 121

FY 2025 Annual Spend Plan............................................................................ 122

ii
Table Index

Table Index

iii
Table Index

TABLE INDEX 

Table 1 – Inspections Conducted in Primacy States in FY 2023.............................................28

Table 2 – Permit and Permit Revision Workload – OSMRE as Regulatory Authority..................32

Table 3– FY 2023 Inspections conducted by OSMRE in the Federal and Indian Lands Program...33 

Table 4 – Mining Plan Decision Document Workload on Leased Federal Coal by Fiscal Year......34 

Table 5 – FY 2023 Activities Pertaining to State Program Amendments Submitted to OSMRE......35

Table 6 – Estimated R&T General Service Costs...............................................................65

Table 7 – State, Tribal, and Federal Responsibility for AML Program and Emergencies............... 80

Table 8 – Coal Production and AML Fee Collections........................................................102 

Table 9 – Summary State of Abandoned Mine Reclamation Since 1978......................................103

Table 10 – AML Fund Unappropriated Balance.............................................................104 

Table 11 – UMWA Fund Transfer Requests Fiscal Year Transfer Amounts............................105

Table 12 – Estimated AMR General Services Costs..........................................................111

iv

Executive Summary
Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Since August 3, 1977, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)—along with

its State and Tribal partners, community organizations, and industry—has protected the environment and

the people in coal communities.

The mission of OSMRE is to carry out the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation

Act of 1977 (SMCRA) in cooperation with States and Tribes.

OSMRE’s primary objectives are to:

(1) ensure that coal mine activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner

and that the impacts of mining on the environment are minimized,

(2) ensure that the land is restored to its pre-mining land uses or equal or greater value

following mining, and

(3) mitigate the effects of past mining that were left unreclaimed prior to enactment of

SMCRA.

OSMRE implements SMCRA requirements through the following programs:

 Title IV of SMCRA - Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation

 Title V of SMCRA - Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining, and

 Technology Development and Transfer

Through these programs, OSMRE has launched innovative efforts—such as the Appalachian Regional

Reforestation Initiative (ARRI), the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP), and

comprehensive training and technical assistance programs for States and Tribes—to protect people and the

environment and support economic redevelopment more effectively.

Overview

OSMRE’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget supports effective oversight of coal production through the

protection and reclamation of actively mined lands and the reclamation of mined lands left unreclaimed

from legacy mining operations that occurred prior to SMCRA’s enactment. OSMRE’s FY 2025 budget

supports the Department’s priorities of advancing economic revitalization of coal communities;

strengthening government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations; investing in the restoration of

public lands and waters; increasing reforestation and terrestrial carbon sequestration; supporting local,

State, private, and Tribal restoration efforts; and creating good paying jobs with a free and fair chance to

join a union.

1
Executive Summary

OSMRE’s statutory responsibilities include administering a program for the regulation of environmental

impacts of surface coal mining operations pursuant to Title V of SMCRA, as well as a program for the

restoration of legacy abandoned and unreclaimed mined areas pursuant to Title IV of SMCRA. OSMRE

authorizes States and Tribes, upon approval of their regulatory and reclamation programs, to assume these

responsibilities, subject to OSMRE’s oversight. In its oversight role, OSMRE provides the State and Tribal

programs funding, training, technical assistance, support, and tools to help ensure consistent, high quality,

and effective regulatory and reclamation programs across the Nation.

Every coal mine operation in the United States must be permitted and regulated in compliance with the

provisions of SMCRA, as reflected in OSMRE-approved State regulatory programs that meet minimal

Federal statutory and regulatory requirements. During FY 2023, OSMRE, States, and Tribes issued more

than 5,400 permits nationwide either on active mining operations or sites in various reclamation phases.

These sites, covering 2.7 million acres of surface mining and support facilities, are regulated through

permits, inspection and enforcement actions, and reclamation bonding requirements.

Title IV (Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation) Policy Developments

SMCRA requires all operators of coal mining operations to pay an Abandoned Mine Land (AML)

reclamation fee. This fee, based on the tonnage of coal produced, is assessed on operators and deposited

into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to hold the coal industry responsible for reclaiming lands

mined for coal and left abandoned prior to SMCRA’s enactment. OSMRE collects the AML fee and

annually distributes fee receipts to States and Tribes, based on a statutorily prescribed formula to clean up

abandoned mine lands.

In November 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) (Public Law 117-58) revised and extended the

authority to collect the coal mine reclamation fee through September 30, 2034, and lowered the fee amounts

by 20 percent, beginning in FY 2022. The BIL also provided a once-in-a-generation investment of $11.3

billion in reclamation grants to eligible States and Tribes to address AML sites that pose health, safety, and

environmental hazards to communities, creating good-paying jobs, and generating economic opportunities.

These funds are being distributed—approximately $725 million a year—over a 15-year period.

OSMRE oversees discretionary AML resources for SMCRA responsibilities, including State Program

Evaluation and Federal Reclamation Program operations. These programs work directly to reclaim

abandoned mine lands and fulfill OSMRE’s Title IV obligations. The FY 2025 budget also requests funding

to continue support for the AML Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, which helps accelerate the

cleanup of AML sites that lead to new economic development and revitalization opportunities in impacted

and surrounding communities.

As noted above, OSMRE will continue to collect reclamation fees from operators through September 30,

2034, as authorized. These funds will be allocated and distributed to States and Tribes, and transfers will

be made to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) health benefits plans and the 1974

UMWA Pension Plan, in accordance with the provisions of Title IV of SMCRA, as amended.

2
Executive Summary

Abandoned Mine Land and Regulatory Technology Development and Transfer

OSMRE supports the coordination of science activities across DOI to help achieve mission objectives and

works within several key areas to coordinate and leverage investment to generate effective results. The FY

2025 budget facilitates this coordination by supporting integrated efforts to achieve management

efficiencies. OSMRE uses emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to improve the understanding

of natural resources and environmental quality related to coal mining. OSMRE’s Technology Development

and Transfer business line focuses on training and technical innovation that directly supports OSMRE’s

environmental restoration mission through AML reclamation and its environmental regulation mission

through regulatory oversight.

The FY 2025 budget provides the resources required to meet the demand from States, Tribes, public interest

groups, and internal customers for OSMRE to provide technical support related to active coal mining.

Activities include development of policy/guidance documents for technical issues and onsite review and

guidance on the application of regulations to specific permits and mine sites.

Federal Regulatory and Reclamation Programs for Oklahoma

Pursuant to the July 2020 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in McGirt v. Oklahoma (140 S.Ct. 2452),

OSMRE established an Indian Lands program in Oklahoma under which OSMRE assumed responsibility

for regulation of coal mining operations and reclamation activities on Muskogee (Creek) Nation Tribal

lands from the Oklahoma Department of Mines for Title V activities, and from the Oklahoma Conservation

Commission for Title IV activities. In March and April 2021, Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals rulings

similarly resulted in OSMRE assuming regulatory and reclamation responsibilities for two additional

reservations in Oklahoma: the Choctaw and Cherokee Nations. The FY 2025 budget provides the resources

required for OSMRE to effectively manage its Federal regulatory and reclamation responsibilities on Indian

lands within Oklahoma.

Title V of SMCRA (Active Mining) Policy

OSMRE’s statutory role is to promote and assist its partner States and Tribes to establish and maintain a

stable regulatory environment for coal mining consistent with SMCRA. OSMRE administers Title V either

through oversight of primacy State programs, or directly where OSMRE is the regulatory authority. This

regulatory stability ensures that all parties (regulators, operators, and citizens) have a common

understanding of applicable requirements and rights to make informed decisions affecting their economic

and personal interests.

Land use plans established during the permitting process, consistent with the law, ensure that coal is mined

responsibly and that the mined land is reclaimed in accordance with applicable regulations. Annual

performance agreements developed for each State, with stakeholder input, outline the responsibilities and

activities of both the State and OSMRE. Among other things, the agreements contain program evaluation

goals and the technical or programmatic assistance that OSMRE may render to the States to address

identified problems, for both new issues and those remaining from prior years. As States develop greater

technical skills, OSMRE anticipates improved performance regarding permit-related actions and resolution

of issues.

To support primacy States with their regulatory programs, OSMRE provides regulatory grants for technical

assistance and training. These grants provide up to 50 percent of a State’s operating costs for regulating

3
Executive Summary

coal mining on non-Federal lands, and up to 100 percent of a State’s operating costs for regulating mining

on Federal lands within the State. OSMRE also provides grants to Tribes to help them develop regulations

and programs for regulating surface coal mining and reclamation operations on Indian lands. The budget

includes funding for grants to States and Tribes consistent with their actual expenditures over the past

several years.

Among the most effective ways to determine if a State’s mining laws are being properly implemented is to

review State permitting actions and to inspect mine sites. For the 12-month period ending June 30, 2023,

States performed 21,223 complete inspections and 34,593 partial inspections. In FY 2023, OSMRE

completed 570 partial and 289 complete inspections through its Federal and Indian Lands Programs.

Nationwide, 91.3 percent of permitted sites inspected were free of off-site impacts (i.e., those that occur

outside the permitted area and have the potential to harm the environment or the public, as specified under

the existing regulations). Off-site impacts associated with active sites are addressed through inspection and

enforcement. These activities also help ensure that the land being mined is reclaimed properly and in a

timely manner to return it to its intended post-mining land use.

Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act Report

The Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act (GAO-IG Act, P.L. 115-414), enacted January 3,

2019, requires that Agencies report the status of each open audit recommendation issued more than one

year prior to the submission of the Agency’s annual budget justification to Congress. The Act requires

Agencies to include the current target completion date, implementation status, and any discrepancies on

closure determinations.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) leadership takes audit follow-up very seriously and considers its

external auditors, including the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Office of the Inspector

General (OIG), valued partners in not only improving the Department’s management and compliance

obligations but also enhancing its programmatic and administrative operations. As stewards of taxpayer

resources, the Department applies cost-benefit analysis and enterprise risk management principles in

recommendation implementation decisions. The Department’s GAO-IG Act Report will be available at the

following link: https://www.doi.gov/cj.

4
Executive Summary

Summary Table: A summary table of OSMRE’s FY 2025 President’s Budget Submission is seen below.

Total FY 2025 Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousand)

2025 President's Budget ($000)

2023 Actual Budget Authority

2024 Annualized

CR

2025

President’s

Budget

Change from

2024 CR

Regulation and Technology 121,062 121,026 128,875 7,849

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund 168,904

Total Current 289,966

Total Discretionary w/ Offsetting Collections 290,423

Payments to States in Lieu of Coal Fee Receipts (Treasury Funds) 31,447

Less Mandatory Sequester [-1,792]

Mandatory Grants to Non-Certified States (AML Funds) 102,707

168,904

289,930

290,070

30,300

[-1,727]

102,400

175,815

304,690

304,830

24,900

[-1,419]

108,000

6,911

14,760

14,900

-5,400

[308]

5,600

Less Mandatory Sequester [-5,853] [-5,836] [-6,156] [-320]

Funds Transferred to UMWA Health Benefit Plans and the 1974 1,060,645 UMWA Pension Plan (Treasury and AML Funds) 1,082,654 1,153,971 71,317

Total Permanent 1,194,799

Total Permanent (after Sequester) 1,187,154

Total Current and Permanent w/ Offsetting Collections and w/o

Supplemental 1,477,577

1,215,354

1,207,791

1,497,861

1,286,871

1,279,296

1,584,126

71,517

71,505

86,265

Total w/o Offsetting Collections and w/o Supplemental 1,477,120

FTEs 1 343

1,497,721

427

1,583,986

428

86,265

1

1 Does not include BIL FTE.

Budget Highlights

The FY 2025 Budget Request for OSMRE is $304.7 million in current appropriations, an increase of $14.8

million above the 2024 Annualized Continuing Resolution (CR), including an increase of $2.7 million to

fund fixed costs.

OSMRE will focus resources on its core mission functions essential to implementation of SMCRA, provide

technical support and assistance to States and Tribes for regulatory and reclamation programs, support the

review and technology transfer of advanced technologies and reforestation of reclaimed mined lands, and

evaluate and administer the AML program.

In addition to discretionary appropriations, the budget includes $1.3 billion in mandatory funding for

reclamation grants to States and Tribes, and for UMWA health benefit plans and the 1974 UMWA

pension plan, as required under current law. 

The FY 2025 budget provides $65 million for regulatory grants to States and Tribes. The budget

also provides $135 million for AMLER grants to certain States and Tribes and proposes to allocate 1.25

percent

5
Executive Summary

of AMLER appropriations for program administration and for Interior’s Office of the Inspector General for

program oversight.

OSMRE will use the balance of the budget to fulfill its statutory oversight responsibilities, administer

Federal regulatory and reclamation programs, provide technical assistance to States and Tribes, and carry

out its fiscal responsibilities for collecting revenues and awarding grants.

The request for OSMRE includes $249,000 in the Regulation and Technology Account to support vehicle

fleet lifecycle replacement, fleet requirements analysis, charging infrastructure planning and deployment,

and fleet capabilities assessments. Across Interior, the 2025 request includes $13 million for this purpose.

This funding will continue Interior’s efforts to right-size its fleet and replace vehicles with more efficient,

mission capable, zero emissions vehicles at the right locations and with the right vehicle mix to deliver

Interior’s missions. OSMRE’s fleet planning efforts will continue to ensure ZEVs are integrated into the

overall fleet plan, prioritizing locations and appropriate missions for deployment of these vehicles.

Additionally, this funding will assist OSMRE with adapting electric vehicle support equipment planning

and deployment to address installation requirements which vary by geographic region.

The FY 2025 budget includes appropriations language to enable OSMRE to use up to $5,000 of

appropriated amounts for courtesy and social responsibilities associated with official duties, primarily for

outreach, engagement, and consultation with Tribal partnersto honor traditions. This request would provide

the Bureau similar authority as that provided to other agencies to extend hospitality to official visitors

without bureau employees bearing expenses from their own personal funds.

OSMRE executes its mission through five Business Lines:

 Environmental Restoration,

 Environmental Protection,

 Technology Development and Transfer,

 Financial Management, and

 Executive Direction and Administration.

The budget aligns discretionary funding and FTE across business lines to optimize fulfilment of OSMRE’s

statutory responsibilities and support the Administration’s priorities.

6
Executive Summary

Appropriation Language

Regulation and Technology

For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of

1977, Public Law 95–87, $128,875,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, of which

$65,000,000 shall be available for State and tribal regulatory grants, and of which not to exceed $5,000

may be for official reception and representation expenses: Provided, That appropriations for the Office of

Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement may provide for the travel and per diem expenses of State

and tribal personnel attending Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement sponsored

training.

In addition, for costs to review, administer, and enforce permits issued by the Office pursuant to section

507 of Public Law 95–87 (30 U.S.C. 1257), $40,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That

fees assessed and collected by the Office pursuant to such section 507 shall be credited to this account as

discretionary offsetting collections, to remain available until expended: Provided further, That the sum

herein appropriated from the general fund shall be reduced as collections are received during the fiscal

year, so as to result in a fiscal year 2025 appropriation estimated at not more than $128,875,000.

Note--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was

prepared; therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations

Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118–15, as amended). The amounts

included for 2024 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

For necessary expenses to carry out title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977,

Public Law 95–87, $40,815,000, to be derived from receipts of the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

and to remain available until expended: Provided, That pursuant to Public Law 97–365, the Department

of the Interior is authorized to use up to 20 percent from the recovery of the delinquent debt owed to the

United States Government to pay for contracts to collect these debts: Provided further, That funds made

available under title IV of Public Law 95–87 may be used for any required non-Federal share of the cost

of projects funded by the Federal Government for the purpose of environmental restoration related to

treatment or abatement of acid mine drainage from abandoned mines: Provided further, That such

projects must be consistent with the purposes and priorities of the Surface Mining Control and

Reclamation Act: Provided further, That amounts provided under this heading may be used for the travel

and per diem expenses of State and tribal personnel attending Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and

Enforcement sponsored training: Provided further, That of the amounts provided under this heading, not

to exceed $5,000 shall be available for official reception and representation expenses.

In addition, $135,000,000, to remain available until expended, for grants to States and federally

recognized Indian Tribes for reclamation of abandoned mine lands and other related activities in

accordance with the terms and conditions described in the explanatory statement described in section 4

7
Executive Summary

(in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act): Provided, That such additional amount shall

be used for economic and community development in conjunction with the priorities in section 403(a) of

the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1233(a)): Provided further, That of

such additional amount, 0.75 percent shall be available to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and

Enforcement for program administration and 0.5 percent shall be available for transfer to the Office of

the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior for oversight of funding provided under this

heading: Provided further, That of such additional amount, $86,850,000 shall be distributed in equal

amounts to the three Appalachian States with the greatest amount of unfunded needs to meet the priorities

described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such section, $34,740,000 shall be distributed in equal amounts to

the three Appalachian States with the subsequent greatest amount of unfunded needs to meet such

priorities, and $11,722,500 shall be for grants to federally recognized Indian Tribes without regard to

their status as certified or uncertified under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30

U.S.C. 1233(a)), for reclamation of abandoned mine lands and other related activities in accordance with

the terms and conditions described in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter

preceding division A of this consolidated Act) and shall be used for economic and community

development in conjunction with the priorities in section 403(a) of the Surface Mining Control and

Reclamation Act of 1977: Provided further, That such additional amount shall be allocated to States and

Indian Tribes within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Note--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared;

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and

Other Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118–15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024

reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Appropriations Language Citations

Regulation and Technology

For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of

1977, Public Law 95-87,

 30 U.S.C. 1260, 1268 – These sections provide for the assessment and collection of penalties

levied for violations of the Act, and for the denial of permits to those with unabated violations

or unpaid penalties.

 30 U.S.C. 1252, 1253, 1254, 1271, 1272, 1273, 1295, 1300, 1302 – These sections provide for

aid to all primacy States for maintaining approved regulatory programs and evaluation of the

States’ performance in doing so; monitoring implementation of the grant programs; small

operator assistance programs; regulatory programs in States without approved programs, on

Federal lands, and on Indian lands; processing of permit applications and mine plans for

Federal lands operations; designating of lands unsuitable for surface mining through technical

reviews; scientific/engineering support and technical training for States operating approved

permanent programs and Federally administered programs; initiation of technical studies;

issuance of technical publications; approval of experimental practices to meet the needs of

approved State programs and Federally-administered programs; preparation of environmental

assessments and environmental impact statements for permits and other actions; and training

8
Executive Summary

of OSMRE staff and State staff to enable these agencies to more effectively carry out the

provisions of the Act.

 30 U.S.C. 1257, as amended by Public Laws 101-508 and 102-486 – Providesfor the regulatory

authority to designate a qualified laboratory to obtain technical information and prepare

technical findings required by the operator for the permit application, and for the regulatory

authority to assume the cost for such services. Further, the Act provides for the Secretary to

provide or assume the cost of training for regulatory program compliance and permit

application preparation for eligible small operators.

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

For necessary expenses to carry out title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977,

Public Law 95-87,

 30 U.S.C. 1231, 1232, 1233 and 1240 – Provides for the payment of fees and other monies into

the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (Fund). The Fund consists of amounts deposited from

time to time, derived from reclamation fees, donations, audit recoveries, interest charges, and

administrative collection fees. The funds collected are used for the reclamation and restoration

of land and water resources adversely affected by past mining.

 SMCRA provides for the use of the monies for the purpose of protecting public health, safety,

and property from extreme danger of adverse effects of coal mining practices; restoration of

land and water resources and the environment previously degraded by adverse effects of coal

mining practices, and that are adjacent to a site that has been or will be remediated. It also

provides that monies in the Fund will be used to cover the administrative expenses of the

Federal government, accomplish abandoned mine reclamation, and develop guidelines on the

distribution of monies in the Fund.

9
Executive Summary

Summary of Requirements

(in Dollars and Thousands)

ACCOUNT:

2023 Actual

2023

Actual

FTE

2024

Annualized

CR

2024

Annualized

CR FTE

2025

Request

Fixed

Costs (+/-)

2025

Request

Program

Changes

($)

2025

Request

Program

Changes

FTE (+/-)

2025

Request

2025

Request

FTE

2025

Request

TOTAL

Change from

2024

Annualized

CR (+/-)

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Environmental Protection 88,936 127 88,900 181 +815 +1,695 - 91,410 181 +2,510

Technology Development and Transfer 16,061 63 16,061 81 +367 +759 - 17,187 81 +1,126

Financial Management 535 2 535 3 +13 +28 - 576 3 +41

Executive Direction and Administration 15,530 42 15,530 47 +842 +3,330 +1 19,702 48 +4,172

TOTAL, REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY (w/o

Offsetting Collections) 121,062 234 121,026 312 +2,037 +5,812 +1 128,875 313 +7,849

Offsetting Collections

Civil Penalties (Budget Authority)

Permit Fees (Offsetting Collections)

453

4

-

-

100

40

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

100

40

-

-

-

-

TOTAL, REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY (w/

Offsetting Collections) 121,519 234 121,166 312 +2,037 +5,812 +1 129,015 313 +7,849

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Environmental Restoration

Technology Development and Transfer

Financial Management

Executive Direction and Administration

AML Economic Development Pilot Program

TOTAL, ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION

FUND (w/o Supplemental)

17,088

4,266

6,079

6,471

135,000

41

15

32

21

-

17,088

4,266

6,079

6,471

135,000

43

18

33

21

-

+196

+82

+149

+234

-

+3,857

+169

+311

+1,913

-

-

-

-

-

-

21,141

4,517

6,539

8,618

135,000

43

18

33

21

0

+4,053

+251

+460

+2,147

-

168,904 109 168,904 115 +661 +6,250 - 175,815 115 +6,911

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) P.L. 117-58 41 93 93 -

TOTAL, ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION

FUND (w/ Supplemental) 168,904 150 168,904 208 +661 +6,250 - 175,815 208 +6,911

TOTAL, DISCRETIONARY (w/ Supplemental & w/o

Offsetting Collections) 289,966 384 289,930 520 +2,698 +12,062 +1 304,690 428 +14,760

TOTAL, DISCRETIONARY (w/ Supplemental &

Offsetting Collections) 290,423 384 290,070 520 +2,698 +12,062 +1 304,830 521 +14,760

10
Executive Summary

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Regulation and Technology

Justification of Fixed Costs Changes

(Dollars In Thousands)

Fixed Cost Element

2024

Annualized

CR

or Change

2024

Annualized

CR to 2025

Request

Change Description

Change in Number of Paid Days +193 0 Total paid days for FY 2025 is 261 (2088 hours) which is the same

number of days as FY 2024.

Pay Raise +2,436 +1,414

The President's Budget for 2025 includes one quarter (OctoberDecember 2024) of the 5.2% pay raise for 2024 and three quarters

(January-September 2025) of the estimated 2.0% pay raise for 2025.

Departmental Working Capital Fund (WCF) +76 +202

The estimates reflect final decisions of the Working Capital Fund

Consortium on the FY 2025 Working Capital Fund Central Bill.

Workers' Compensation Payments -8 +15

The amount reflects final chargeback costs of compensating injured

employees and dependents of employees who suffer accidental death

while on duty. This amount reflects the final Workers Compensation bill

for 2025 payable to the Department of Labor, Federal Employees

Compensation Fund, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 8147(b) as amended by Public

Law 94-273.

Unemployment Compensation Payments 0 -7

The amount reflects projected changes in the costs of unemployment

compensation claims to be paid to the Department of Labor, Federal

Employees Compensation Account, in the Unemployment Trust Fund,

pursuant to Public Law 96-499. This estimate reflects an applied annual

inflation factor of 3.0% to the 5-year average of actuals between 2018-

2022.

GSA and Non-GSA Rents +229 +413

This estimate reflects the FY 2025 President's Budget Exhibit 54s as

submitted. The amounts reflect changes in the costs payable to General

Services Administration (GSA) and others for office and non-office

space as estimated by GSA, as well as the rental costs of other currently

occupied space. These estimates reflect MIB rent, Security, Federal

Reserve Parking, and Operations and Maintenance, distributed by

bureau and office, based upon OFAS provided MIB occupancy levels.

Costs of mandatory office relocations, i.e. relocations in cases where due

to external events there is no alternative but to vacate the currently

occupied space, are also included.

Total, Account 2025 Fixed Costs +2,926 +2,037

11
Executive Summary

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

Justification of Fixed Costs Changes

(Dollars In Thousands)

Fixed Cost Element

2024

Annualized

CR

or Change

2024

Annualized

CR to 2025

Request

Change Description

Change in Number of Paid Days +72 0

Total paid days for FY 2025 is 261 (2088 hours) which is the same

number of days as FY 2024.

Pay Raise +913 +527

The President's Budget for 2025 includes one quarter (OctoberDecember 2024) of the 5.2% pay raise for 2024 and three quarters

(January-September 2025) of the estimated 2.0% pay raise for

2025.

Departmental Working Capital Fund

(WCF) +27 +71

The estimates reflect final decisions of the WorkingCapital Fund

Consortium on the FY 2025 WorkingCapital Fund Central Bill.

Workers' Compensation Payments -1 +2

The amount reflects final chargeback costs of compensating injured

employees and dependents of employees who suffer accidental

death while on duty. This amount reflects the final Workers

Compensation bill for 2025 payable to the Department of Labor,

Federal Employees Compensation Fund, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.

8147(b) as amended by Public Law 94-273.

Unemployment Compensation Payments 0 -3

The amount reflects projected changes in the costs of

unemployment compensation claims to be paid to the Department

of Labor, Federal Employees Compensation Account, in the

Unemployment Trust Fund, pursuant to Public Law 96-499. This

estimate reflects an applied annual inflation factor of 3.0% to the 5-

year average of actuals between 2018-2022.

GSA and Non-GSA Rents +81 +64

This estimate reflects the FY 2025 President's Budget Exhibit 54s

as submitted. The amounts reflect changes in the costs payable to

General Services Administration (GSA) and others for office and

non-office space as estimated by GSA, as well as the rental costs of

other currently occupied space. These estimates reflect MIB rent,

Security, Federal Reserve Parking, and Operations and

Maintenance, distributed by bureau and office, based upon OFAS

provided MIB occupancy levels. Costs of mandatory office

relocations, i.e. relocations in cases where due to external events

there is no alternative but to vacate the currently occupied space,

are also included.

Total, Account 2025 Fixed Costs +1,092 +661

12
Executive Summary

13
Executive Summary

BUDGET AT A GLANCE

14
Executive Summary

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Budget At A Glance

Dollars in Thousands ($000)

Appropriation: Regulation and Technology 2023 Actual

2024

Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-)

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-)

2025 Program

Change

(+/-)

2025 Request

Environmental Protection 88,900 88,900 +815 - +1,695 91,410

State and Tribal Funding 65,000 65,000 - 65,000

State Program Evaluation

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

8,905 8,905 365 759

[+759]

10,029

Federal and Indian Lands Program

Funded by Offsetting Collections

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

Federal Lands

7,968

[+36]

1,539

7,968

[+140]

1,539

243 384

[+384]

45 215

8,595

[+140]

1,799

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

Program Development and Maintenance 5,488 5,488

[+215]

162 337 5,987

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

Technology Development and Transfer 16,061 16,061

[+337]

+367 - +759 17,187

Technical Assistance

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

11,657 11,657 231 478

[+478]

12,366

Training

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

2,254 2,254 86 178

[+178]

2,518

Technology Transfer

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

Financial Management

Revenue Management

2,150

535

428

2,150

535

428

50 103

[+103]

+13 - +28

9 19

2,303

576

456

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

Grants Financial Management 107 107

[+19]

4 9 120

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

Executive Direction and Administration

Executive Direction

Federal Sustainability Initiative Coordinator

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

Administrative Support

15,530

2,330

4,020

15,530

2,330

4,020

[+9]

+842 - +3,330

72 315

[+165]

[+150]

140 290

19,702

2,717

4,450

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs

General Services 9,180 9,180

[+290]

630 2,725 12,535

IT - Data Center Migration, Hosting, and Cyber Security

Zero Emission Vehicles

[+2,476]

[+249]

TOTAL, Regulation and Technology (w/o Civil Penalties and

Offsetting Collections)

TOTAL, Regulation and Technology (w/ Civil Penalties and

Offsetting Collections)

121,062

121,519

121,026

121,166

+2,037

+2,037

-

-

+5,812

+5,812

128,875

129,015

15
Executive Summary

Appropriation: Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund 2023 Actual

2024

Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-)

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-)

2025 Program

Change

(+/-)

2025 Request

Environmental Restoration 152,088 152,088 +196 - +3,857 156,141

State/Tribal Funding 500 500 2,000 2,500

Passive Treatment Protection Program (PTPP) [+2,000]

State Program Evaluation 2,866 2,866 68 142 3,076

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+142]

Federal Reclamation Programs - Projects 6,119 6,119 1,000 7,119

Federal Reclamation Projects - Oklahoma [+1,000]

Federal Reclamation Program - Operations 3,300 3,300 59 573 3,932

GrantSolutions [+450]

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+123]

Program Development and Maintenance 4,303 4,303 69 142 4,514

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+142]

AML Economic Development Grants 135,000 135,000 0 135,000

Technology Development and Transfer 4,266 4,266 +82 - +169 4,517

Technical Assistance 2,199 2,199 46 94 2,339

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+94]

Training 889 889 32 66 987

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+66]

Technology Transfer 1,178 1,178 4 9 1,191

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+9]

Financial Management 6,079 6,079 +149 - +311 6,539

Fee Compliance 5,458 5,458 126 264 5,848

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+264]

Grants Financial Management 621 621 23 47 691

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+47]

Executive Direction and Administration 6,471 6,471 +234 - +1,913 8,618

Executive Direction 1,051 1,051 32 151 1,234

Federal Sustainability Initiative Coordinator [+85]

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+66]

Administrative Support 2,097 2,097 65 132 2,294

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs [+132]

General Services 3,323 3,323 137 1,630 5,090

IT - Data Center Migration, Hosting, and Cyber Security [+1,630]

TOTAL, Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (w/ rescission) 168,904 168,904 +661 - +6,250 175,815

TOTAL, Discretionary Funding (w/o Civil Penalties and

Offsetting Collections) 289,966 289,930 +2,698 - +12,062 304,690

TOTAL, Discretionary Funding (w/ Civil Penalties and

Offsetting Collections) 290,423 290,070 +2,698 - +12,062 304,830

16
Executive Summary

Mandatory Funding 2023 Actual 2024 Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-)

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-)

2025 Program

Change

(+/-)

2025 Request

Payments to States and Tribes in Lieu of Coal Fee Receipts

(Treasury Funds) 31,447 30,300 - - -5,400 24,900

In Lieu Payments to Certified States and Tribes 31,447 30,300 -5,400 24,900

Mandatory Grants to States (AML Funds) 102,707 102,400 - - +5,600 108,000

Grants to Noncertified States

State & Tribal Share

Historic Coal Fund

Minimum Program Make Up

16,201

61,528

24,978

16,100

59,200

27,100

+2,200

+4,300

-900

18,300

63,500

26,200

Total Payments/Grants to States and Tribes (pre-Sequester)

less Mandatory Sequester

134,154

-7,645

132,700

-7,563

- - +200 132,900

-7,575

Total Payments to States and Tribes (after Mandatory

Sequestration) 126,509 125,137 - - +188 125,325

United Mine Workers of America Plans (UMWA) 1,060,645 1,082,654 - - +71,317 1,153,971

Payments to United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Health

Benefit Plans (AML Fund Interest)

Payments to UMWA Health Benefit Plans (Treasury Funds)

Payments to the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan (Treasury Funds)

6,039

342,092

712,514

1,648

362,954

718,052

+4,403

+65,917

+997

6,051

428,871

719,049

TOTAL, Mandatory Funding

Total, Mandatory Funding with Sequestration

1,194,799

1,187,154

1,215,354

1,207,791

-

-

-

-

+71,517

+71,505

1,286,871

1,279,296

17
Regulation and Technology

ACCOUNT: REGULATION

AND TECHNOLOGY

18
Regulation and Technology

ACCOUNT: REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Program Summary

The 2025 budget for the Regulation and Technology Account is $128.9 million, $7.8 million above the 2024 Continuing

Resolution level. This account supports the regulatory functions defined by SMCRA and administered by the States and

OSMRE. It also funds Federal activities related to the administration and monitoring of State regulatory programs and

OSMRE’s technical training, assistance, and transfer activities related to environmental protection.

The 2025 budget includes $91.4 million for Environmental Protection programs, $2.5 million above the 2024 Continuing

Resolution. The request for State and Tribal regulatory grants is $65.0 million, which fully funds estimated requirements

and is equal to the 2024 Continuing Resolution. The 2025 request for regulatory grants provides for the efficient and

effective operations of State and Tribal programs at a level consistent with the anticipated obligations and the demand

for coal mine permitting and production.

The budget includes $26.4 million, $2.5 million above the 2024 Continuing Resolution, for other regulation and

technology functions under Title V of SMCRA, including State Program Evaluation and Federal Program operations,

which regulate coal mining in States and for Tribes without approved regulatory programs.

The 2025 budget includes $37.5 million for Technology Development and Transfer, Financial Management, and

Executive Direction activities, $5.4 million above the 2024 Continuing Resolution, which support the overall Regulation

and Technology program. Within the Regulation and Technology appropriation, the budget includes a $2.5 million

program increase for essential data center migration, hosting, and cybersecurity enhancements.

Appropriation Language

Regulation and Technology

For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Public

Law 95–87, $128,875,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, of which $65,000,000 shall be available for

State and tribal regulatory grants, and of which not to exceed $5,000 may be for official reception and representation

expenses: Provided, That appropriations for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement may provide

for the travel and per diem expenses of State and tribal personnel attending Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and

Enforcement sponsored training.

In addition, for costs to review, administer, and enforce permits issued by the Office pursuant to section 507 of Public

Law 95–87 (30 U.S.C. 1257), $40,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That fees assessed and collected

by the Office pursuant to such section 507 shall be credited to this account as discretionary offsetting collections, to

remain available until expended: Provided further, That the sum herein appropriated from the general fund shall be

reduced as collections are received during the fiscal year, so as to result in a fiscal year 2025 appropriation estimated

at not more than $128,875,000.

Note.--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; therefore,

the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act

(Division A of Public Law 118–15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024 reflect the annualized level provided

by the continuing resolution.

19
Regulation and Technology

Appropriations Language and Citations

Regulation and Technology

This appropriation finances the regulatory functions of SMCRA, as administered by the States and OSMRE. Federal

activities related to the administration and monitoring of State regulatory programs and OSMRE’s technical training,

assistance, and transfer activities related to environmental protection are also financed by this appropriation. The FY

2025 budget request for current appropriations for the Regulation and Technology Account is $128.9 million.

For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977,

Public Law 95-87,

 30 U.S.C. 1260, 1268 – These sections provide for the assessment and collection of penaltieslevied for violations

of the Act, and for the denial of permits to those with unabated violations or unpaid penalties.

 30 U.S.C. 1252, 1253, 1254, 1271, 1272, 1273, 1295, 1300, 1302 – These sections provide for aid to all primacy

States for maintaining approved regulatory programs and evaluation of the States’ performance in doing so;

monitoring implementation of the grant programs; small operator assistance programs; regulatory programs in

States without approved programs, on Federal lands, and on Indian lands; processing of permit applications and

mine plans for Federal lands operations; designating of lands unsuitable for surface mining through technical

reviews; scientific/engineering support and technical training for States operating approved permanent programs

and Federally administered programs; initiation of technical studies; issuance of technical publications; approval

of experimental practices to meet the needs of approved State programs and Federally-administered programs;

preparation of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for permits and other actions;

and training of OSMRE staff and State staff to enable these agencies to more effectively carry out the provisions

of the Act.

 30 U.S.C. 1257, as amended by Public Laws 101-508 and 102-486 – Provides for the regulatory authority to

designate a qualified laboratory to obtain technical information and prepare technical findings required by the

operator for the permit application, and for the regulatory authority to assume the cost for such services. Further,

the Act provides for the Secretary to provide or assume the cost of training for regulatory program compliance

and permit application preparation for eligible small operators.

20
Regulation and Technology

21

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Regulation and Technology 

Justification of Fixed Costs Changes 

(Dollars In Thousands)

Fixed Cost Element

2024

Annualized 

CR

or Change

2024

Annualized 

CR to 2025

Request

Change Description

Change in Number of Paid Days +193 0 Total paid daysfor FY 2025 is 261 (2088 hours) which isthe same

number of days as FY 2024.

Pay Raise +2,436 +1,414

The President's Budget for 2025 includes one quarter (OctoberDecember 2024) of the 5.2% pay raise for 2024 and three quarters

(January-September 2025) of the estimated 2.0% pay raise for 2025.

Departmental Working Capital Fund (WCF) +76 +202

The estimatesreflect final decisions of the Working Capital Fund

Consortium on the FY 2025 Working Capital Fund Central Bill.

Workers' Compensation Payments -8 +15

The amount reflects final chargeback costs of compensating injured

employees and dependents of employees who suffer accidental death

while on duty. This amount reflectsthe final Workers Compensation bill

for 2025 payable to the Department of Labor, Federal Employees

Compensation Fund, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 8147(b) as amended by Public

Law 94-273.

Unemployment Compensation Payments 0 -7 

The amount reflects projected changesin the costs of unemployment

compensation claims to be paid to the Department of Labor, Federal

Employees Compensation Account, in the Unemployment Trust Fund,

pursuant to Public Law 96-499. This estimate reflects an applied annual

inflation factor of 3.0% to the 5-year average of actuals between 2018- 

2022.

GSA and Non-GSA Rents +229 +413

This estimate reflects the FY 2025 President's Budget Exhibit 54s as

submitted. The amounts reflect changes in the costs payable to General

Services Administration (GSA) and others for office and non-office

space as estimated by GSA, as well asthe rental costs of other currently

occupied space. These estimates reflect MIB rent, Security, Federal

Reserve Parking, and Operations and Maintenance, distributed by

bureau and office, based upon OFAS provided MIB occupancy levels.

Costs of mandatory office relocations, i.e. relocations in cases where due

to external events there is no alternative but to vacate the currently

occupied space, are also included.

Total, Account 2025 Fixed Costs +2,926 +2,037
Environmental Protection

Regulation and Technology Account

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

22
Environmental Protection

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGYACCOUNT

Environmental Protection Activity Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

Regulation and Technology/

Environmental Protection 2023 Actual

2024

Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-)

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-)

2025

Program

Changes

(+/-)

2025

President’s

Budget

Change from

2024

Annualized

CR

State and Tribal Funding 65,000 65,000 - - - 65,000 -

FTE - - - - -

State Program Evaluation 8,905 8,905 +365 - +759 10,029 1,124

FTE 70 81 - 81 -

Federal Programs 4,581 4,581 +140 - +290 5,011 430

FTE 20 31 - 31 -

Federal Lands 1,539 1,539 +45 - +94 1,678 139

FTE 14 10 - 10 -

Indian Lands 3,387 3,387 +103 - +215 3,705 318

FTE 8 23 - 23 -

Program Development and Maintenance 5,488 5,488 +162 - +337 5,987 499

FTE 15 36 - 36 -

Total 88,900 88,900 +815 - +1,695 91,410 2,510

FTE 127 181 - - - 181 -

The FY 2025 budget request for the Regulation and Technology Environmental Protection budget activity is $91.4

million and 181 FTEs, a program change of +$1.7 million and 0 FTE from the FY 2024 Continuing Resolution.

Summary of 2025 Program Changes Regulation and Technology/Environmental Protection

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +1,695 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +1,695 +0

Justification of FY 2025 Program Changes

Baseline Capacity (+$1,695,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to help

strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments include funding

needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to continue to fulfill the OSMRE

mission. The budget includes $1.7 million in the Regulation and Technology Environmental Protection Activity which

reflects the incremental amount needed to cover the fixed costs associated with mission operations in FY 2024. This

request in combination with the FY 2025 fixed costs amounts will allow the program to meet must pay requirements

without impacting program activities.

23
Environmental Protection

OVERVIEW

The Environmental Protection business line provides resources to 23 primacy States to administer regulatory programs,

as well as for OSMRE’s Federal and Indian Lands Programs. OSMRE administers a Federal Program in the States of

Washington and Tennessee and an Indian Lands Program on Tribal Lands of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, the Ute

Mountain Ute Tribe, the Crow Tribe, and the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Muscogee (Creek) Nations in Oklahoma. These

programs protect the public and the environment from the adverse effects of current mining and support reclamation of

land at the conclusion of mining operations. At the beginning of FY 2024, surface coal mining operations encompassed

over 2.3 million acres nationwide.

Program Activities: The program activities in this business line ensure the environment is protected during surface coal

mining operations and that coal operators adequately reclaim disturbed land after mining is completed.

This business line also supports OSMRE’s work to ensure that State programs meet Federal regulatory requirements.

The State and Tribal Funding activity includes grants to States and Tribes to regulate coal operations on lands within

their borders. This activity includes grants to Tribes to develop regulatory programs and to assist OSMRE in the

regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on Indian Lands. Additionally, for primacy States with

Federal lands within their borders, cooperative agreementsformalize States’eligibility to receive additional grant funding

to cover their full costs to regulate coal operations on those Federal lands.

The State Program Evaluation program activity funds OSMRE’s evaluation and oversight of State programs. The Federal

and Indian Lands Programs activity funds OSMRE regulatory activities to ensure SMCRA compliance in States without

their own regulatory program, and on Tribal Lands. The Federal Lands program funds OSMRE’s activities in preparing

mining plan decision documents for leased Federal coal, as well as any other activities on Federal lands not covered by

cooperative agreements with the primacy States.

OSMRE’s Environmental Protection mission supports the primary purpose of SMCRAby protecting the public, property,

and environment from the adverse impacts of coal mining, and SMCRA provides assurance that adequate action is taken

to reclaim surface coal mine areas as expeditiously as possible.

For FY 2025, the President’s budget requests $65.0 million to fund up to 50 percent of the costs for 23 primacy State

regulatory programs and up to 100 percent of the costs of regulating mining on Federal lands within the borders of 14 of

the primacy States through cooperative agreements. The budget request will also provide 100 percent of the regulatory

program development costs for three Tribes.

The FY 2025 budget request includes $10.0 million to improve our State evaluation program, focusing on the

implementation of existing laws, and $8.7 million to fund Federal regulatory programs in non-primacy States, including

Tennessee and Washington, and on Indian Lands.

The FY 2025 budget request also includes $1.7 million for OSMRE to carry out mine plan reviews for Federal lands,

and $6.0 million for program development and maintenance to continue to streamline mine plan decision processes and

ensure that regulatory standards adequately reflect changes in technologies and program needs.

Appropriationslanguage isrequested to supplement this appropriation with $40,000, which will be offset with collections

for new permit application fees in the Federal and Indian Lands Programs.

24
Environmental Protection

The following section shows the details for each program activity and the funding and FTE resources required to meet

the 2025 performance goalsfor the Environmental Protection businessline.It also includes examples of cooperative work

between OSMRE, States, and Tribes to regulate coal-mining activities.

PROGRAM DETAILS AND 2025 REQUEST

1. State and Tribal Funding

The FY 2025 budget request is $65.0 million requested for State and Tribal regulatory program grants That funding may

also be used to support the States and Tribes that are pursuing regulatory primacy. This request fully funds the projected

FY 2025 requirements based on historicalspending. OSMRE will also continue to support State regulatory grant requests

by re-distributing the available de-obligated prior year funds.

State Grants

The principal means of providing environmental protection within SMCRAisthrough primacy Statesthatreceive Federal

grant funding. Currently, 23 States have achieved primacy and serve as coal mining regulatory authorities in the

implementation and the on-going management of SMCRA. Primacy States have the most direct and critical

responsibilities for conducting regulatory operations to minimize the impact of coal extraction operations on people and

the environment. These States have the capabilities and knowledge to regulate the lands within their borders. OSMRE

provides up to a 50 percent match on State funding in Federal grants to primacy States and ensures that regulations are

consistent across the Nation. OSMRE provides the resources and encourages States to assume this responsibility of

implementing SMCRA.

Cooperative agreements between OSMRE and primacy States that contain Federal lands provide States with grant

funding to cover their coststo review permit applications, issue permits, and conduct the required inspections of regulated

activities on Federal lands within the State. The additional grant funding provides for uniform enforcement of State

program requirements throughout the State and reduces both direct Federal program costs and Federal staff requirements.

Section 705I of SMCRA sets the amount that a State may receive through a cooperative agreement at an amount

approximately equal to the amount that the Federal government would have to pay to do the same work. The regulations

further require that no grant may exceed the actual costs to the State for this activity. Currently, 14 States have entered

into cooperative agreements with OSMRE to regulate surface coal mining and reclamation operations on Federal lands

within their borders: Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio,

Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Activities that State regulatory authorities conduct with Federal grant and matching State funding include: (1) permit

review and issuance and access to the Applicant Violator System to ensure that permits will not be issued to operators

with outstanding violations; (2) inspection and enforcement; and (3) ensuring timely reclamation after mining. In addition,

individual States may conduct special activities to address specific needs. These activities may include upgrading

permitting programs, modernizing systems to improve review of pending permits, and drafting regulations that respond

to changes in Federal rules.

State regulatory authorities inspect all active and inactive sites, facilities, and areas that support coal mining and

reclamation within their State for compliance with all program requirements. Federal regulations require all active

inspectable units under the programto have four complete and eight partial inspections per year. Four complete inspections

are required annually for all inactive units. Inspections conducted by primacy States in any given year depend, in part, on

25
Environmental Protection

the number of active and inactive permitsin each State. The primacy States conducted 55,789 inspectionsin FY 2023 (see

Table 2).

Tribal Regulatory Development and Regulatory Program Grants

As allowed by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and Section 710(i) of SMCRA, OSMRE provides grants to the Crow Tribe,

the Hopi Tribe, and the Navajo Nation to assist them in developing regulations and programs for regulating surface coal

mining and reclamation operations on Indian Lands. The grant amounts are based on each Tribe’s anticipated workload

to (1) develop a Tribal program (including Tribal laws, regulations, and policies); (2) assist OSMRE with surface coal

mine inspections and enforcement (including permitting activities, mine plan review and bond release); and (3) sponsor

employment training and education concerning mining and mineral resources. These grants fund 100 percent of the

Tribal primacy development activities.

The SMCRA amendments of 2006 allow Indian Tribes to apply for and obtain approval of a Tribal program regulating,

in whole or in part, surface coal mining and reclamation operations on reservation land under the jurisdiction of the Indian

Tribe. The legislation also provides for 100 percent funding of the costs of developing, administering, and enforcing an

approved Tribal program. Discussions on the submission of applications for Tribal primacy began in 2007. An informal

review ofthe Navajo Nation’s Tribal primacy application issubstantially complete, but the Navajo Nation has not formally

submitted their application. The Crow Tribe and the Hopi Tribe continue to pursue Tribal primacy and have assisted

OSMRE with surface coal mine inspections and enforcement; however, neither tribe has submitted a formal application

for Tribal primacy. The Oklahoma Cherokee, Choctaw, and Muscogee (Creek) Nations are also eligible to pursue Tribal

primacy and to seek grant funding for development of their Tribal programs.

2. State Program Evaluation

State Program Evaluation activities serve two purposes: to determine whether States are effectively implementing their

approved regulatory programs, and to provide documentation to the public of the work that OSMRE and the States are

doing. The $10.0 million requested for FY 2025 will fund 81 FTE to carry out these activities.

a. Oversight Policy and Procedures

OSMRE assumes an oversight role following approval of a State or Tribal SMCRA regulatory program. That role includes

both programmatic evaluations and inspections of individual mine sites to determine whether States with primacy are

properly administering, implementing, maintaining, and enforcing their regulatory programs. Detailed guidance is

provided and available on OSMRE’s website (https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coalmines/oversight).

As part of the process, a Performance Agreement is developed annually for each State. OSMRE solicits input from all

stakeholders, including the public, State agencies, Federal agencies, otherstakeholders, and the coal industry, for relevant

issues to review in each State. The Performance Agreement is a comprehensive plan that outlines the responsibilities and

activities of both the State and OSMRE. It provides details about specific program evaluation goals for each State and

the plans to achieve those goals, the types and number of inspections OSMRE plans to provide, technical or

programmatic assistance that OSMRE may render to the State, and methods to resolve any new or ongoing problems.

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b. Oversight Inspections

Inspections and site visits are an integral part of OSMRE’s oversight activities. OSMRE uses a collaborative system of

evaluation designed to build confidence in State, Tribal, and Federal programmatic efforts and enhance achievement of

mutually shared environmental and public health and safety goals. OSMRE’s oversight inspections maximize the use of

State, Tribal, and OSMRE resources with a goal of creating efficiency to strengthen the performance of all parties and

avoid duplication of effort and redundancy. Because the number of Inspectable Units (IUs) varies greatly in each State

and on Indian Lands, OSMRE uses a three-tiered method to determine the targeted number of annual oversight

inspections. For States and Tribes that have less than five IUs, OSMRE inspects a target number of two IUs annually.

For States and Tribes with five to 1,000 IUs, OSMRE aims to inspect a target number of 25 percent of the IUs annually.

For States and Tribes with more than 1,000 IUs, OSMRE use a statisticalsampling formula to determine itstarget number

of oversight inspections each year. Because the principal purpose of oversight inspections is to evaluate the overall

effectiveness of a State or Tribal program, OSMRE counts all inspections that it conducts, including inspections

conducted in response to a request for inspection (i.e., a citizen complaint), Federal enforcement inspections, and bond

release inspections, toward the targeted numbers of inspections.

In FY 2023, OSMRE conducted 1,114 oversight inspections in primacy States (see Table 1). OSMRE will continue to

perform oversight inspections in FY 2024 and FY 2025 to assure the integrity of regulatory programs, to capture

additional data, and to identify more conclusive findings and trends. The actual number of inspections will depend on the

number of newly issued permits or permits released due to achieving final reclamation status, the presence or absence of

problems, input from the public, and the terms of the Performance Agreements in each State.

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28

Table 1 – Inspections Conducted in Primacy Statesin FY 2023

State Partial State

Inspections

Complete

State

Inspections

Total

State

Inspections

OSMRE

Oversight

Inspections

Alabama 5 1,462 1,467 40

Alaska 49 31 80 12

Arkansas 2 58 60 2 

Colorado 164 100 264 11

Illinois 511 268 779 33

Indiana 457 283 740 16

Iowa 0 0 0 0 

Kansas 24 13 37 2 

Kentucky 10,090 5,695 15,785 241

Louisiana 24 12 36 7 

Maryland 489 262 751 12

Mississippi 22 10 32 5 

Missouri 37 22 59 4 

Montana 104 66 170 9 

New Mexico 27 25 52 3 

North Dakota 314 86 400 6 

Ohio 815 492 1,307 40

Pennsylvania 5,552 3,813 9,365 235

Texas 248 124 372 8 

Utah 172 95 267 8 

Virginia 1,809 1,175 2,984 104

West Virginia 13,555 6,975 20,530 303

Wyoming 152 100 252 13

Total 34,622 21,167 55,789 1,114

OSMRE oversight inspections for FY 2023 include oversight document reviews, assistance inspections, citizen complaint site visits, and 

Federal action inspections, as needed (Source: OSMRE Inspection and Enforcement data system Management Reports). State inspection 

data is for the evaluation year beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
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c. Identifying and Correcting Violations of SMCRA

In primacy States, SMCRA requires that an OSMRE inspector provide the regulatory authority (RA) the opportunity to

correct any violations observed during an oversight inspection or violations alleged by a citizen. OSMRE will issue a

Ten-Day Notice (TDN) to the RA whenever the authorized representative has a reason to believe, based upon information

readily available to him or her, that there has been a violation of SMCRA, Federal regulations, the approved regulatory

program, or a permit condition (hereinafter violation). This requirement applies to all requests for Federal inspections

that OSMRE receives from citizens under 30 CFR 842.12. The State regulatory authority then has 10 days to take

enforcement action, initiate another appropriate action to correct the violation, or demonstrate good cause for not taking

such action. If OSMRE determinesthat the State response is not appropriate, an OSMRE inspector will conduct a Federal

inspection of the site and take any necessary enforcement action. This procedure does not apply to situations in which

there is an imminent danger to public health or safety or if the observed or alleged violation is causing or can reasonably

be expected to cause significant imminent environmental harm. If a citizen complainant alleges that an imminent harm

violation exists, the OSMRE inspector must issue an immediate cessation order. OSMRE works with the Statesto resolve

any outstanding issues and has procedures in place to monitor corrective actions. On most oversight inspections, OSMRE

will not issue a TDN when it finds that the RA’s inspector has already taken appropriate action or before the inspection

is physically and administratively complete. In FY 2023, OSMRE received 8 citizen complaintsfrom five Statesresulting

in two violations. OSMRE issued one TDN in FY 2023.

OSMRE also has an obligation under Section 521 of SMCRA to take steps to ensure that all types of violations, including

violations of performance standards or permit conditions and violations of permitting requirements, are corrected if the

State does not correct them. If a State or Tribal program does not show timely, adequate improvements, OSMRE has

other tools under 30 CFR Parts 732 (requiring program amendments) and 733 (compelling program change or

substituting a Federal program) to ensure enforcement or a program change.

In addition to the corrective actions processes described above, OSMRE’s AVS Office promotes the use of alternative

enforcement actions to compel compliance with SMCRA. For example, the AVS Office provides training and

investigative services, and identifiessites with outstanding violations so that regulatory authorities can consider pursuing

alternative enforcement actions when primary enforcement is not enough. OSMRE will continue these enforcement

activities throughout FY 2024 and FY 2025.

3. Federal and Indian Lands Programs

The FY 2025 request provides the resources required to conduct statutory activities in the Federal Program ($5.0 million

and 31 FTE) and Indian Lands Program ($3.7 million and 23 FTE). The request also includes an additional $40,000 for

permitting activities that will be offset with collections for new permit application fees in the Federal and Indian Lands

Programs.

a. States

OSMRE regulates coal mining in States without approved regulatory programs. OSMRE’sregulation ensuresresponsible

coal extraction by using up-to-date science and technology.

The permit review process in federally administered programs consists of reviewing of the permit application package

for administrative completeness and technical adequacy, preparation of findings and supporting documentation, and

conducting an environmental analysis. The extent of Federal resources expended and the timeframes for review vary

depending on the complexity of a permit application, the size of the mine, and the response times of applicantssubmitting

additional information required to process the permit application. The following information highlights key activities in

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the two States administered under the Federal Program:

Tennessee: The Knoxville Field Office (KFO) and Lexington Field Office (LFO) conduct full Federal program functions

in the State of Tennessee and have primary regulatory responsibilities for inspection, enforcement, and permitting of coal

mines. During FY 2023, one permanent program permit achieved final bond release with jurisdiction terminated. This

reduced the number of permits from 90 at the start of the FY 2023 to 89 permits at the end, with 19,900 permitted acres.

Currently there is no active coal production in the State. Tennessee received one new permit application during FY 2023

and processed and approved 5 permit renewals. In addition, OSMRE has five treatment trust funds covering six sites in

Tennessee. Trust funds or annuities guarantee long-term treatment of post-mining pollution discharges associated with

sites permitted under the Tennessee Federal Program. The purpose of such trusts is to protect the environment and the

health and welfare of the public. The trusts or annuities are invested and managed for the long-term operation of water

control and treatment facilities associated with coal mine sites.

KFO/LFO employees utilize a Geographic Information System (GIS) in coordination with Federal and State agencies to

provide data to support site visits, furnish maps for threatened and endangered species evaluations, and conduct site

investigations related to water quality testing. In part due to our outreach efforts with industry, citizens, and academics

interested in reforestation of mined land, the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) was formed. ARRI

is a cooperative effort that advocates for a Forestry Reclamation Approach on active mining operations for mine land

reforestation. OSMRE, State, and other Federal agencies in the coal producing states of the Appalachian Region, coal

mining operators, environmental organizations, academic institutions, and local citizens are members of ARRI.

An interagency group comprised of State and Federal agencies developed an interagency agreement to improve the

coordination among key stakeholders in the process of managing coal mining permits. The interagency group includes

OSMRE, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The group meets

regularly to review new applications and improve the established processes.

The State of Tennessee continues working on establishing an approved regulatory program to achieve primacy.

Washington: There are two surface coal mines regulated under the Federal Program in Washington: the Centralia Mine

and the John Henry Mine, located in Lewis County and King County, respectively. Both mines have permanently ceased

mining operations and the sites are currently undergoing reclamation.

All required partial and complete inspections were completed at these mines in FY 2023. OSMRE did not issue any new

enforcement actions at the mines in FY 2023, and there were no known off-site impacts. There are a total of 23

enforcement actions pending at the John Henry Mine, consisting of 15 violations and eight failures to abate cessation

orders. All 23 enforcement actions are under appeal with the Department’s Office of Hearings and Appeals.

In FY 2023, the Centralia Mine continued to complete its final reclamation activities and demonstrated compliance with

all environmental performance standards including adequate establishment of permanent vegetation. OSMRE reviewed

and approved two reclamation liability release applications. One approval included the North Field Pit 20 resource area,

including the Pond 22 impoundment system. This approval included Phase I through Phase III reclamation liability

release on 19.1 acres of land under the SMCRA Permanent Program. The other approval, also in the North Field Pit 20

resource area, authorized termination of jurisdiction on 80.9 acres under the SMCRA Initial Program. In FY 2023,

OSMRE approved 13 of 15 permit revisions and anticipates the submission of 14 permit revisions in FY 2024.

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OSMRE anticipates several Phase I and Phase II reclamation liability release applications will be submitted in FY 2024

for over 2,000 acres at the Centralia Mine. While the John Henry Mine is actively being reclaimed, OSMRE does not

expect to receive any applications for reclamation liability release in FY 2024. OSMRE will focus on resolving

outstanding violations and ensuring environmental compliance at the John Henry Mine in FY 2024.

b. Tribes

OSMRE is responsible for regulating coal mining and reclamation activities on Indian Lands. The Indian Lands Program

staff review and approve permit applications and revisions, calculate the amount of reclamation performance assurance

bond required, conduct inspections and enforcement activities, and review and approve applications for reclamation

liability release. The proposed budget provides funds for activities to promote responsible mineral extraction on Indian

Lands.

OSMRE coordinates closely with Indian Tribes and other resource management entities. OSMRE ensures that the lands

and trust resources of federally recognized Tribes and their members are identified, conserved, and protected. In fulfilling

these responsibilities, OSMRE operates within a government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes.

The Crow Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Navajo Nation have active coal mine permits on

their lands. The coal mines on Indian Lands are among the largest in the United States, with a total of 103,674 acres

regulated by OSMRE. The following information describes coal mining operations on Tribal lands administered under

the Indian Lands Program:

Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe: The McKinley Mine and the Navajo Mine are large surface mines located in

McKinley and San Juan Counties, New Mexico. These mines are on lands within the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Mine

is an active mine and provides coal to the Four Corners Power Plant in New Mexico. Mining operations permanently

ceased at the McKinley Mine in 2009, and it is currently undergoing final reclamation. The Kayenta Mine is a large

surface mine located in Navajo County, Arizona, on lands within the Navajo Nation and the Hopi reservation. The Navajo

Nation owns most coal resources at this mine, but certain coal resources are jointly owned by the Navajo Nation and the

Hopi Tribe. The Kayenta Mine permanently ceased mining in August 2019, after the Navajo Generating Station ceased

operations in December 2019, and is currently undergoing final reclamation.

In FY 2023, OSMRE determined 929 acres of land on the Navajo Nation were adequately backfilled and contoured and

determined that 2,981 acres were adequately topsoiled and seeded. OSMRE approved Phase I and Phase II reclamation

liability release for these areas. Additionally, OSMRE approved 30 of 38 permit revisions and completed 100 percent of

required inspections in FY 2023. No off-site impacts were reported, and no enforcement actions were required. In FY

2024, OSMRE anticipates administering 41 permit revisions and several applications for reclamation liability release,

and termination of jurisdiction, on approximately 2,000 acres. In FY 2023, OSMRE conducted one informal conference

and two public mine-site tours to support reclamation performance liability release on the Navajo Nation lands. OSMRE

expects to continue conducting public meetings with the local communities as more land is being reclaimed and

considered for reclamation liability release.

Crow Tribe: The Absaloka Mine is a large surface mine located in Big Horn County, Montana. The Absaloka (South)

Mine operates within the boundaries of the Crow Reservation and is regulated by OSMRE. The Absaloka (North) Mine

operates outside the boundaries of the Crow Reservation but includes Crow-owned coal resources. The Absaloka (North

Mine) is co-regulated by OSMRE and the State regulatory authority.

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Environmental Protection

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe: The King II Mine is an underground mine located in La Plata County, Colorado. The mine

extracts Federal coal beneath surface land owned privately by the Ute Mountain Ute. The OSMRE permit includes the

lands above the underground mine workings, including approximately nine acres of surface disturbance.

Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, and Choctaw Nation Tribal Reservations: OSMRE assumed responsibility for

regulating coal mining and reclamation activities on Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, and Choctaw Nation Tribal

Reservation lands from the Oklahoma Department of Mines and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in FY 2021,

following the Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma and the decisions of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal

Appeals in Hogner v. State, 500 P.3d 629 (Okla. Crim. App. 2021), and Sizemore v. State, 485 P.3d 867 (Okla. Crim.

App. 2021). In response, OSMRE has developed and established an Indian Lands program in the State of Oklahoma over

the past two fiscal years.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma Field Office has hired five full time employees to regulate the mines in Oklahoma. Currently,

OSMRE is regulating 46 permits, as shown below:

Active

Permits

Abandoned/

Forfeited

Permits

Acres

Muscogee (Creek) Nation 1 4 1,533.91

Cherokee Nation 2 7 5,603.87

Choctaw Nation 17 15 10,908.54

Total 20 26 18,046.32

In FY 2023, OSMRE conducted 6 bond release inspections covering 1,297 acres in a mix of multiphase bond release,

and fully released 371.3 acres from reclamation liability. OSMRE anticipates similar numbers for FY 2024, as two

operators located in the Choctaw Nation continue to conduct reclamation activities and are actively seeking bond release.

OSMRE has conducted 2 bond release inspections thus far in FY 2024 on 685 acres, with 261.3 acres located in the

Cherokee Nation being fully released from reclamation liability.

Table 2 – Permit and Permit Revision Workload – OSMRE as Regulatory Authority.

Activity

Federal

Programs

FY 2023

Actual

Federal

Programs

FY 2024

Projected

Indian

Lands

FY 2023

Actual

Indian

Lands

FY 2024

Projected

In progress (prior FY) 38 35 16 12

Anticipated Submissions (current FY) 20 19 28 35

Total FY workload 58 54 44 47

Completed in FY 23 23 32 40

Balance, end of FY 35 31 12 7

Source: OSMRE Data for States and Tribes system (DST) FY 2023.

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Table 3– FY 2023 Inspections conducted by OSMRE in the Federal and Indian Lands Program.

State/Tribe Partial

Inspections

Complete

Inspections

Total

Inspection

Notice of Violations Cessation

Orders

Tennessee 451 262 713 26 12

Washington 16 8 24 0 0

States Total 467 270 737 26 12

Crow Tribe 16 8 24 0 0

Hopi Tribe 0 2 2 0 0

Navajo Nation 33 16 48 0 0

Ute Tribe 8 4 12 0 0

Cherokee Nation 8 7 15 0 0

Choctaw Nation 98 55 153 16 0

Muscogee (Creek) Nation 4 5 9 1 0

Tribes Total 167 97 263 17 0

Source: Inspections from OSMRE Data for States and Tribes systems (DST) FY 2023. Violation data from

OSMRE Inspection and Enforcement Tracking System (I&E) FY 2023.

c. OSMRE Responsibility on Federal Lands

As previously discussed,mining on Federal landsin primacy Statesisregulated by the respective State regulatory program

through a cooperative agreement between the Governor and the Secretary of the Interior.1 However, SMCRA provides

that the Secretary may not delegate to the State the responsibilities to approve mining plans on Federal lands. Until the

Secretary (or designee) has approved the mining plan, no person may conduct surface coal mining and reclamation

operations on lands containing leased Federal coal. OSMRE is responsible for preparing the decision document

recommending approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval for all proposed mining plans and mining plan

modifications on Federal lands. OSMRE is the regulatory authority for mining on Federal lands in States that have not

entered into a cooperative agreement, and processes valid existing rights claims that involve certain Federal lands under

this program activity.

As part of the Federal Lands program, OSMRE frequently conducts environmental impact analysis in accordance with

NEPA. OSMRE prepares Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements in consultation with, when

applicable, the following: State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, the USFWS, the

Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), EPA, the National Park Service, and the USACE,

as well as the State regulatory authorities.

In FY 2023, OSMRE administered the preparation of 12 mining plan recommendations and attendant environmental

analyses. These analyses are ongoing and dependent in large part on rapidly evolving case law as it relates to approvals

of surface coal mining projects. In collaboration with the DOI Office of the Solicitor and BLM, OSMRE intends to

continue to finalize NEPA analyses and issue mining plan recommendations for a number of projects in FY 2024 and FY

2025.

1 Currently the State of Arkansas does not have a cooperative agreement between the Secretary of the Interior and the Arkansas Governor.

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OSMRE expects to begin the mine plan recommendation or modification process and associated NEPA analyses for

three or four projects in FY 2024 and FY 2025. The agency will continue working on the ten mining plan decision

documents that were in progress at the end of FY 2023 and expects to complete six mining plan decision documents for

review by the Office of the Assistant Secretary – Land and Minerals Management (ASLM) by the end of FY 2024. In

FY 2023, OSMRE completed and obtained ASLM approval for two mining plan decisions.

Table 4 – Mining Plan Decision Document Workload on Leased Federal Coal by Fiscal Year

Activity

FY 2023

Actual

FY 2024

Projected

In progress (prior FY) 11 10

Actual/Anticipated Submissions 1 44

Total FY workload 12 14

Completed in FY 2 6

Balance, end of FY 10 8

OSMRE frequently partners with BLM and USFS when preparing environmental impact analyses for coal leasing

decisions. OSMRE’s participation in NEPA compliance analyses prepared at the leasing stage ensures the consideration

of OSMRE mine plan approval concerns. This cooperative effort ensures comprehensive analysis is conducted, helps

address common issues, eliminates duplication of effort, reduces resource conflicts, and incorporates a climate-smart

approach. The FY 2025 request includes $1.7 million and 10 FTE for the Federal Lands program.

4. Program Development and Maintenance

Work elements under this program are primarily policy actions(e.g., rulemaking), grants management, and specialstudies

that support the other program activities in the Environmental Protection business line. This FY 2025 request provides

$6.0 million and 36 FTE for Program Development and Maintenance.

a. Rulemaking

This program develops rules, analyzes those rules’ implication on other statutes, assesses conformity with executive

orders, prepares environmental assessments and environmental impact statements as required under NEPA, and prepares

regulatory impact analyses, such as cost benefit analyses for rules prepared by OSMRE. When required under the

Administrative Procedures Act, OSMRE involves the public and interested parties in the development of regulations.

OSMRE also maintains the administrative record for rules and coordinates rule publication with the Office of the Federal

Register.

During FY 2023, OSMRE published one final rule (April 20, 2023), which made inflation adjustments to civil monetary

penalties (CMPs) for violations of SMCRA. This rule is in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation

Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Pub. L. 114–74) (2015 Act), which amended the Federal Civil

Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (codified, as amended, at 28 U.S.C. 2461 note) and required Federal agencies

to promulgate rules to adjust the level of CMPs to account for inflation.

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Also during FY 2023, OSMRE proposed a new rule (published April 25, 2023) amending processes related to the

issuance of TDNs. The proposed changes are intended to improve the effectiveness and coordination with State

regulatory authorities to ensure consistency in the inspection and enforcement and implementation of SMCRA between

OSMRE and the States. OSMRE plans to publish a final rule in FY 2024.

In addition, in response to a recommendation from Interior’s Office of the Inspector General, OSMRE is proposing to

revise its regulation to strengthen dam safety by incorporating appropriate elements from the Federal Guidelines for Dam

Safety issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency into its regulations. The proposed revisions would require

an operator or permittee of any dam classified as a high hazard or significant hazard dam under our new classification

system to prepare and gain approval of an emergency action plan (EAP) for the facility prior to the dam being placed into

service. The proposed revisions would also require regular updates and testing of the EAP and require that an after-action

review (AAR) be conducted each time an EAP is activated or tested. The AAR would identify deficiencies that were

discovered during the emergency or testing and recommend suggestions for EAP modification. OSMRE intends to issue

a notice of proposed rulemaking in FY 2024.

OSMRE assists States with the development, administration, implementation, and maintenance of their approved

regulatory and reclamation programs. OSMRE evaluates State-initiated program changes (statutory, regulatory, or

changes in the program’s provisions, scope, or objectives), and decisions to approve or disapprove State program

amendments are Federal rulemaking actions. In the case where States may be required to amend their programs because

of changes to SMCRA and/or Federal regulations, OSMRE notifies the State of the required change, and reviews and

evaluates the State program amendment submission. When a State program amendment is required due to changes in the

States program, the State will submit an amendment describing the change for OSMRE to review and evaluate. As part

of the review and evaluation of any State program amendment, OSMRE solicits public comments, holds public meetings,

maintains the administrative record, and publishes the decisions as final rules in the Federal Register.

In the beginning of FY 2023, OSMRE had 48 State program amendments formally being reviewed and 5 State program

amendments where States need assistance before formally submitting amendments to OSMRE (Table 5). In addition,

OSMRE reviewed and published 4 final rules for State program amendments. OSMRE also published 12 State program

amendment proposed rules for public comment.

Table 5 – FY 2023 Activities Pertaining to State Program Amendments Submitted to OSMRE

Amendment Type

Pre-Submission

Assistance

Formal

Pending

Beginning of

FY 2023

5

48

Received

FY 2023

1

12

Completed

FY 2023

2

4

Pending end of

FY 2023

4

56

Total 53 13 6 60

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b. Grants Management

OSMRE supports and participates in the Department of Health and Human Services’ government-wide electronic grants

application system, Grants.gov. OSMRE is currently using DOI’s FBMS for internal processing of all grant and

cooperative agreement transactions.

OSMRE and the State/Tribal grantees cooperate to maximize the use of available funding and operate an effective

program. This cooperative working relationship contributes to a streamlined application and awards process, faster

obligation of Federalfunds, innovative program monitoring, less paperwork, and timely reporting and close-out of grants.

c. Special Projects

OSMRE’s special projects include interpretation of SMCRA, reports to Congress, legislative analyses, responses to

litigation, analyses in response to Departmental initiatives, and working with other DOI bureaus and Federal agencies

whose activities can affect the surface coal mining regulatory program.

OSMRE implements the Biological Opinion and Conference Opinion on the SMCRA Title V Regulatory Program and

oversees the State regulatory authorities’ implementing the Biological Opinion (See “Compliance with the

Endangered Species Act” at https://www.osmre.gov/laws-and-regulations). OSMRE and the USFWS will periodically

update the Biological Assessment/Biological Opinion to include newly listed/proposed species and critical habitat.

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Environmental Protection

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY2025 Planned Program Activities

The Environmental Protection program will participate in the following activities in FY 2024 and FY 2025:

 Continuing oversight steering committee conversations with State RAs to discuss impediments to meaningful

and effective oversight, including revising current OSMRE oversight directives.

 Reviewing the formal Tribal primacy submission from the Navajo Nation.

 Continuing review of informal submissions from the Crow and Hopi Tribes.

 Reviewing the formal Tennessee primacy submission, should it decide to formally submit one, and assisting the

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation with development of its program.

 Preparing rulemaking documentation and submission for publication of the TDN final rule on handling citizen

complaints and the proposed rule governing actions for EAPs and AARs for impoundment structures consistent

with Federal guidelines.

 Obtaining OMB approval for submission of 14 information collection clearance renewals and revisions for

compliance with Paperwork Reduction Act requirements.

 Reviewing all applicationsto mine Federal coal and provide recommendationsto ASLM on mining plan decision

approvals, including the preparation of effects analyses in compliance with NEPA.

 Conducting all required inspections on State and Indian lands and administering enforcement actions where

violations have occurred.

 Monitoring the effectiveness of the implementation of Kentucky’s program amendments related to its bonding.

 Achieving the goals for performance measures identified in this business line for protecting the environment and

reclaiming lands to beneficial use.

 Continuing administration of the SMCRA program on Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, and Choctaw Nation

Reservations and establishing an Indian Lands program in Oklahoma.

 Continuing ongoing consultations with Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, and Choctaw Nations.

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Environmental Protection

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments

The Environmental Protection program accomplished the following in FY 2023:

 Implemented the Federal and Indian Lands Programs, conducting 367 complete and 634 partial

inspections, and completing 47 permit actions.

 Finding that nearly 94% of permitted sites inspected nationwide were free of off-site impacts (i.e.,

those occurring outside the permitted area, having the potential to harm the environment and/or

public as specified under existing regulations).

 Nearly half (47.5%) of all acreage bonded for disturbance was reclaimed and returned to postmining use, a 1 percentage point improvement from the previous year.

 Conducted 1,114 oversight inspections on primacy States as they performed 21,167 complete mine

inspections and 34,622 partial inspections to ensure coal mines are operated safely and in

accordance with environmental laws.

 Submitted 14 information collection clearance renewals and revision as notices in the Federal

Register, receiving 100 percent on-time approvals from OMB in compliance with the Paperwork

Reduction Act.

 Conducted formal Tribal consultations with the Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, Choctaw, and

Chickasaw Nations. These consultations will continue into FY 2024 as OSMRE administers

SMCRA on Tribal lands and establishes an Indian Lands program in Oklahoma.

 Conducted three regional trainings with the USFWS, OSMRE, and the State RAs on the

implementation of the Biological Opinion for Title V of SMCRA.

 Completed and obtained ASLM approval for two mining plan decisions at the Center Mine in North

Dakota.

38
Technology Development and Transfer

REGULATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCOUNT

Technology Development and Transfer

39
Technology Development and Transfer

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY ACCOUNT

Technology Development and Transfer Activity Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

2025 Change from

2024 2025 Fixed 2025 Internal Program 2025 2024

Regulation and Technology/ Technology Annualized Costs Transfers Changes President’s Annualized

Development and Transfer 2023 Actual CR (+/-) (+/-) (+/-) Budget CR

Technical Assistance 11,657 11,657 +231 - +478 12,366 709

FTE 49 51 - 51 -

Training 2,254 2,254 +86 - +178 2,518 264

FTE 7 19 - 19 -

Technology Transfer 2,150 2,150 +50 - +103 2,303 153

FTE 7 11 - 11 -

Total 16,061 16,061 +367 - +759 17,187 1,126

FTE 63 81 - - - 81 -

The FY 2025 budget request for the Regulation and Technology Account Technology Development and

Transfer (TDT) budget activity is $17.2 million and 81 FTEs, a program change of +$1.1 million and 0

FTE from the FY 2024 Continuing Resolution.

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Regulation and Technology/Technology Development and Transfer

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +759 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +759 +0

Justification of FY 2025 Program Changes

Baseline Capacity (+$759,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to

help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments

include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to

continue to fulfill the OSMRE mission. The budget includes $759,000 in the Regulation and Technology,

Technology Development and Transfer Activity, which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover

the fixed costs associated with mission operations in FY 2024. This request in combination with the FY

2025 fixed costs amounts will allow the program to meet must pay requirements without impacting

program activities.

40
Technology Development and Transfer

OVERVIEW

Program Activities: OSMRE promotes TDT activities to meet environmental protection goals for coal

mining. This section provides an overview of the Regulatory TDT activities, but OSMRE uses many of the

Regulatory TDT activities in AML Restoration.

The TDT business line provides Federal resources to support technical assistance, training, technology

development, and technology transfer activities for Federal, State, and Tribal regulatory staff. These

program activities invest in developing and improving the technical skills necessary for States and Tribes

to effectively operate their regulatory programs and meet SMCRA requirements. TDT funding also helps

OSMRE implement effective partnerships with stakeholders to meet OSMRE’s restoration and protection

goals.

In FY 2024 and FY 2025, OSMRE will continue to promote programs like the Technical Innovation and

Professional Services (TIPS), providing training and technical assistance for States’ and Tribes’ technical

decision-making related to SMCRA. OSMRE’s TDT programs offer interactive technical forums and

related workshops for electronic permitting and mobile computing projects. OSMRE provides regional

technical service, libraries, and efficient access to COALEX, a computer-assisted library search service.

OSMRE’s technology transfer is a significant part of its cooperative effort with partner States and Tribes to

mitigate the environmental effects of coal mining problems. In addition, OSMRE provides

multidisciplinary technical assistance and works with industry, States, Tribes, and the public on new or

unique technical challenges or problems. Other OSMRE technology transfer activities with the States and

Tribes include TIPS and the Coal Information Management System (CIMS). OSMRE established an

intergovernmental team, the National Technology Transfer Team (NTTT), to provide ongoing direction,

communication, and coordination of these efforts. New technologies, changes in regulations, additional

hiring due to BIL investments, and staff turnover in States and Tribes increase the need for continued

technical training. OSMRE providesthisrequired training through the National Technical Training Program

(NTTP).

TDT program performance is measured by how well the regulatory program meets OSMRE’s

environmental protection mission. Performance for the business line is also measured by the number of

technically trained staff (including knowledge and skills taught and applied), the utilization of automated

technologies (such as TIPS), and the quality and timeliness of technical assistance provided by OSMRE, as

determined through evaluations and customer service surveys.

Actions Required to Achieve Annual Goals: In FY 2025, the NTTP, TIPS, National Mine Map Repository

(NMMR), and AVS will expand user access with an improved OSMRE website investment.

The NTTP and TIPS will continue to work with technical leadership to provide direction, communication,

and coordination efforts related to technical issues and studies.

Resources, Skills, and Technology Needed: OSMRE provides States, Tribes, and staff with the best

available technical data and information to support science-based decisions for mining plans, reclamation

project design, permit reviews, blasting, and AMD prevention. The TDT programs support and enhance the

technical skills that States and Tribes need to effectively operate their regulatory programs. The total FY

2025 request for this business line is $17.2 million. The request includes $12.4 million for technical

41
Technology Development and Transfer

assistance (including TIPS and AVS support), $2.5 million for technical training, and $2.3 million for

technology transfer efforts to meet the annual goals set forth above.

The following section details, by program activity, the funding and FTE resources required to meet

performance goals. It also includes examples of the types of technical training, assistance efforts, and

technology transfer provided by this business line.

PROGRAM DETAILS AND 2025 REQUEST

The following program activities support OSMRE’s goal to strengthen the skill and knowledge capabilities

of the States, Tribes, and OSMRE staff to implement SMCRA effectively. This goal, achieved through

quality technical and scientific information, expertise, and training, is critical for the surface mining and

reclamation programs’ success. OSMRE also provides opportunities for students and recent graduates,

either directly or through cooperative agreements, to engage in technical and natural resources activities.

OSMRE’s TDT activities include technical assistance, both technical policy and-site specific assistance,

technical training, technical systems resources, and technology transfer.

OSMRE’s stakeholders(States, Tribes, the public, and industry) continue to expresssupport for TDT efforts

and encourage OSMRE to provide the types of technical support needed to effectively and efficiently meet

SMCRA, NEPA, and other environmental and safety laws. Helping the States, Tribes, and industry achieve

up-front compliance reduces the need for additional regulatory resources. Many activities planned or

ongoing for FY 2024 will identify FY 2025 activity needs. Adjustments within activities may be necessary

during FY 2024 to focus resources on the highest priority program needs.

The Technology Development and Transfer program supports necessary technical skills that States and

Tribes need to operate their regulatory programs. The FY 2025 budget request provides resources for

OSMRE’s technical assistance, training, technology development, and technology transfer programs.

1. Technical Assistance

OSMRE provides technical assistance to State and Tribal regulatory and OSMRE staff that review and

oversee State programs, develops rules or policy, litigates SMCRA challenges or enforcement actions, and

maintains other technical support infrastructure such as TIPS, AVS, and technical training programs. The

$12.4 million requested for FY 2025 will fund 51 FTE to carry out these activities.

OSMRE delivers technical assistance and site-specific technology support to assist States and Tribes with

science and engineering expertise to regulate active mining operations. The areas of assistance are wideranging and include but not limited to the following:

 rulemaking

 citizen complaint investigations

 review of offsite impacts

 guideline development

 State program amendments

 State mining permit evaluation

 blasting policy

 dam safety program

42
Technology Development and Transfer

 prime farmland reclamation

 geomorphic reclamation

 soil substitution

 placement of coal combustion residue

 reclamation bonding sufficiency and bond release

 threatened and endangered species

 restoration of mined land with native vegetation

 land unsuitability determinations

 participation as technical experts on interagency committees

 AMD prevention and remediation

 acid and toxic forming materials handling

 surface and groundwater dewatering

 stream and underground mine flooding

 mountaintop mining and valley fills

 permit findings

 remining, impoundment stability

 subsidence caused by underground mining.

 assistance in fostering Tribal primacy by helping Tribes develop technical capabilities.

2. Technical Training

Technical training provides OSMRE, State, and Tribal staff the necessary information and skills to

implement the surface mining reclamation and enforcement program. This request includes $2.5 million

and 19 FTE for this program activity.

a. National Technical Training Program (NTTP)

OSMRE established the NTTP in cooperation with State and Tribal offices in 1985 to answer the need for

an ongoing educational program for Federal, State, and Tribal personnel. Training is provided in each of

the disciplines involved in SMCRA implementation, including aquatic biology, geology, engineering,

hydrology, blasting, agronomy, botany, and more. NTTP also delivers training related to permit approval,

bond release, reclamation, and enforcement. Training additionally builds upon and updates technical

expertise and establishes standards.

To stay current, NTTP consistently revises its courses and materials, reflecting the latest approaches in

surface mining and reclamation. For example, NTTP recently updated the Wetlands Awareness and Permit

Findings curriculum, set for delivery in FY 2024, and in FY 2023 it introduced revamped Effective Writing

and Coalfield Communications courses. Also, the Master Instructor Forum will transition and be

redeveloped into the Advanced Instructor Skills Program, aimed at furthering the professional development

of seasoned instructors.

In FY 2025, while continuing to offer in-person courses, NTTP will expand its online offerings, assisting

regulatory staff with limited in-person training access. This includes new courses in Applied Engineering

Principles, Soils and Revegetation, and SMCRA and the Endangered Species Act. In FY 2024, a special

43
Technology Development and Transfer

curriculum was designed for new employees hired with BIL funding, consisting of introductory courses on

SMCRA.

b. TIPS Software Application Training Program

TIPS Software Application Training Program provides established technology, while also researching

emerging technologies and their application to SMCRA. In addition, TIPS provides software application

training courses geared towards engineering, scientific, hydrologic, and mapping computer software tools

that are not commonly offered by vendors and/or universities. This training ensures that States, Tribes, and

OSMRE offices with SMCRA responsibilities are trained on the current technology in use in the field and

can perform their regulatory and AML duties while using advanced software and field equipment and tools.

The TIPS Training Program is a joint effort between OSMRE and the States and Tribes. TIPS course

developers and instructors are comprised of mining and reclamation experts that use TIPS software to help

develop courses to educate personnel on how to solve complex permitting, enforcement, and AML related

matters. The software application training is tailored towards using both current and emerging technologies

to help solve mining and reclamation issues related to SMCRA requirements. These TIPS courses are

delivered through online instruction, onsite at the customer’s request, and in training centers located at

OSMRE’s offices in Alton, Illinois, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at vendor training centers in Denver,

Colorado.

In FY 2023, the TIPS Training Program successfully provided 53 software vendor classes (52 virtual

instructor-led and 1 in-person) and received an overall customer satisfaction rating of 100 percent,

exceeding the target Government Performance and Results Act goal of 96 percent. Through continued

utilization of ArcGIS/Geospatial and CADD software vendor trainings, TIPS was able to provide 21

different software application courses totaling over 2,200 technical training hours. Courses ranged from

introductory to advanced levels, meeting 302 SMCRA customer’s training needs for FY 2023. This was an

increase of 238 percent from FY 2022.

In FY 2024, the TIPS Training Program will continue to utilize software vendor trainings while reestablishing TIPS instructor-led courses. This process will include reviewing/revising previously taught

courses and developing new courses to fill training gaps. Currently the FY 2024 TIPS training schedule

will include 40 software vendor classes and 2 in-person TIPS classes. As in previous years, the software

vendor-hosted classes will be offered virtual, utilizing the vendor’s on-line training platform that States,

Tribes, and OSMRE staff can easily access. TIPS in-person classes will be hosted at a TIPS training center.

Furthermore, in FY 2025 TIPS will continue to accept specialized training by request from the States and

Tribes and will work diligently to provide “just-in-time” training resources for OSMRE’s SMCRA

customers.

c. Regional/Site-Specific Training Program

OSMRE conducts courses and workshops at OSMRE, State, and Tribal locations to address specific needs.

These custom, on-the-job trainings are wide ranging and include technical software applications, field

equipment, blasting certificate update training, grants management, how to prepare and/or process State

program amendments, GIS data collection, and performance bond cost estimation. OSMRE provides these

classes on short notice, usually within 1 to 3 months of request, and tailors them to the unique needs of the

audience. As industry and governments continue to develop new technologies in photogrammetry and

terrestrial scanning, OSMRE expects requests for specialized training will increase over the coming years.

As the varying programs acquire their own systems in these fields, training on operation, data collection,

44
Technology Development and Transfer

processing, and using the results in enforcement processes will be essential to the efficient enforcement of

SMCRA requirements.

3. Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is an integral component of OSMRE’s Environmental Protection business lines,

providing essential support to State and Tribal programs. This request includes $2.3 million and 11 FTE for

these activities.

Technology transfer is accomplished through a variety of activities including workshops and technical

forums; publication of workshop and forum proceedings, handbooks, and other materials; maintenance of

the OSMRE technical library and various information websites; and educational outreach. The OSMRE

national and regional technology transfer teams meet monthly to evaluate initiatives or on-going activities

to encourage networking and information sharing that will result in program improvement or enhancement.

OSMRE’s technology transfer activities bring a new approach to nationwide cooperation and customer

service.

One of OSMRE’s missions is to advance and transfer technologies that improve the effectiveness and

efficiency of the science of coal mining and mine land reclamation. Advancing these technologies improves

mining and reclamation practices and provides better science-based decision-making. OSMRE will

continue to advance coal mine site technologies and practices to deliver more comprehensive ecosystem

restoration, including reforestation and reclamation using native vegetation and plant habitat.

OSMRE advances these technologies through technology transfer by ensuring that the most current and

relevant scientific information and technologies are available to our customers, through funding research

and through the TIPS Program. OSMRE funds research, primarily with universities, through its Applied

Science Program and the Mine Drainage Technology Initiative Program (formally known as the Acid Mine

Drainage Initiative). Research results from these programs are made available to the public.

a. Applied Science Program

The Applied Science Program provides funds, primarily to universities, to help in the development of new

reclamation science and technology. Under the program, OSMRE selects applied science proposals

(typically 2-year cooperative agreements) that have the potential for improving the effectiveness of both

the coal industry and the regulatory authority to conduct and regulate surface coal mining and reclamation

activities that protect the environment and the public.

b. Mine Drainage Technology Initiative (MDTI) Program

The MDTI program provides funds for a single cooperative agreement, primarily to universities, to help

OSMRE and others gain a better understanding of issues related to acidic and toxic mine drainage to better

predict, avoid, monitor, and remediate mine drainage. Under the MDTI program, OSMRE has been able to

fund 2-year cooperative agreements since FY 2000 that enhance its understanding of acidic and toxic mine

drainage.

45
Technology Development and Transfer

c. Technical Innovation and Professional Services (TIPS)

TIPS is a national program that supplies established emerging technologies and applications to SMCRA

primacy programs. TIPS obtains off-the-shelf technological software and makes them available to States,

Tribes, and OSMRE offices in support of SMCRA initiatives.

The goal of TIPS is to provide State, Tribal, and OSMRE personnel with a comprehensive set of analytical

core software to aid in technical decision-making processes related to SMCRA. The services provided are

centered on commercial off-the-shelf engineering, scientific, hydrologic, and mapping computer software

supported by OSMRE in partnership with the States and Tribes. This technical assistance has grown from

a few applications available on a single specially designed shared workstation, to a suite of software

available via the Internet and/or through OSMRE – TIPS License Server.

d. The National Mine Map Repository (NMMR) Program

OSMRE maintains the NMMR in its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office. Its primary role is to ensure the

information within the NMMR is available to the public. The NMMR acquires mine maps from the public

and State and Federal environmental agencies, as well as through two current cooperative efforts with the

National Park Service. Outreach generates donations from mining companies, engineering and consulting

firms, surveying companies, universities, and private citizens. OSMRE compiles and maintains mine map

information for all types of mines, covering 88 commodities, in the United States.

To aid in the archiving of quality historical map documents, this year the NMMR introduced a

humidification process that will help to create better scans of historic maps. Over the years, maps,

specifically canvas backed maps, become brittle and hard to unroll. These maps can be broken, torn, and

have peaks in the canvas that make it difficult to scan and georeference. The use of a humidification system

allows the team to slowly “steam” these maps until they are more pliable and can be unrolled and properly

scanned.

The NMMR archives both underground and surface mine maps. Its two servers house over 67 terabytes of

imagery and data, encompassing geographic, topographic, and commodity-specific information searchable

spatially and through over 40 text fields in a proprietary SQL database. It contains mine maps from 47

States spanning the past 230 years, consisting of more than 316,000 mine map scans covering more than

238,000 mines. The database may be searched online; in FY 2023, 153 clients contacted the repository for

research guidance or map requests.

The NMMR continuously expands and upgrades its collection. During FY 2023, 1,625 new map documents

were added to the NMMR. Additionally, 55,811 records were collected or modified in the database. The

records edited this year included coverage in 40 different States. Continued funding for this program is vital

to the health and safety of the public and the environment. (See map below).

46
Technology Development and Transfer

e. Coal Information Management System (CIMS) Program

In FY 2018, OSMRE and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality began working on a

convenient, efficient, and cost-effective method of applying for and monitoring the status of permit

applications issued under SMCRA. The program, called CIMS, was developed to modernize and upgrade

Montana’s electronic permitting system, and designed for other States and Tribes to easily adopt the system

at no or low cost. Under the CIMS, mine operators can plan and monitor multiple phases of applications

and permits in an interactive, geospatial manner. The CIMS automates the workflow between operators and

regulatory authorities and provides accountability and project tracking for all parties at all stages of the

review process.

The system and individual applications are designed so that the SMCRA partners can modify the system to

fit their unique needs, realize economies of scale associated with system development costs, and improve

effectiveness through lessons learned. OSMRE plans to develop four additional modules to the CIMS: (1)

Inspection and Enforcement, (2) Bond Calculation, (3) Public Interface Utility (a read-only version hiding

confidential information), and (4) National Photo Archive. This work is projected to continue through FY

2026.

f. Geographical Information Mapping System Programs

GeoMine: GeoMine is an interactive web-based mapping application of coal mining and reclamation

activities within the United States. It is an ongoing effort to provide the best available data for surface coal

mining operations acrossthe country, merging data from numerous sourcesto create standardized, seamless

47
Technology Development and Transfer

48

layers that cross State boundaries. All GeoMine layers, consisting of data compiled from State and Federal 

partners, are publicly available. The pictometry widget continues to provide additional high-resolution 

aerial imagery over high-priority mines. Annual usage during FY 2023 increased 15% over the previous 

FY, with an average of 190 users and 160 data downloads per month. Oklahoma permit data were added 

during FY 2023. A user survey added at the end of FY 2023 has provided valuable insight into which 

organizations are using the app, which components they consider most useful, and what improvements they 

would like to see. Responses will be taken into consideration during the app upgrade in the next fiscal year. 

The upgrade process will improve the hosting infrastructure on the backend and update the app itself. As 

collaboration across regions within OSMRE increases, data from additional States will be incorporated 

when possible. 

Remote Sensing: In FY 2023, OSMRE and its SMCRA partners successfully utilized photogrammetry 

software to create fully rendered surface models taken from satellites, crewed aircraft, uncrewed aircraft, 

and ground-based imagery. Cloud-based data processing through the DOI GeoPlatform yields efficiencies 

of server-side processing for large datasets of data and imagery. Ground-based Light Detection and Ranging 

(LiDAR) scanners are used in conjunction with these photogrammetric models to allow for accurate surface 

modeling for enforcement and reclamation design. In FY 2024 and 2025, more SMCRA States will adopt 

programs to make greater use of these technologies. Ongoing training and support will serve to leverage 

SMCRA partners’ use of these technologies.

New monthly high-resolution satellite imagery requests continue to grow rapidly. In FY 2023, OSMRE 

supported remote sensing for State, Tribal, and OSMRE staff. These and other requests are prioritized first 

through online digital archives, examined through acquisitions conducted by various Federal agencies, and 

then through private entities via contracts where necessary.

OSMRE members also provide more advanced remote sensing analysis to support mine teams on a projectto-project basis. Satellite images have several spectral bands improving feature visualization not easily seen 

by the naked eye. Visualizing different band combinations helps with determining vegetation health, 

vegetation age, soil moisture, and more accurate classification of land features. Other satellite-based earth 

observations are made to determine or create elevation data, which is derived from specialized 

sensors/satellites including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that allows one to see through clouds and 

smoke. LiDAR, SAR, and stereo-imagery allows geoscience professionals to verify elevation values 

provided by the mining operator to determine the elevation gains and losses from datasets collected on 

different dates.

g. Educational Outreach

OSMRE staff provide educational outreach to science teacher associations, science classes, educational 

fairs, Earth Day events, career days, foreign visitors, grassroots organizations, and professional associations 

and societies to explain OSMRE’s responsibilities and to create a conservation stewardship legacy. These 

programs help to engage and encourage our future workforce. 
Technology Development and Transfer

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities

In FY 2024 and FY 2025, ongoing and planned activities in Technology Development and Transfer include:

 Providing technical assistance to States and Tribes, making use of emerging technologies for

field data collection and in-house information processing capabilities.

 Continuing to coordinate blaster certificate activities with State personnel, Federal agencies

(Mine Safety and Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and professional

organizations (International Society of Explosives Engineers, Institute of Makers of

Explosives and National Fire Protection Association).

 Supporting State and Tribal coal reclamation programs with direct technical support.

OSMRE GIS will continue to support field data collection both internally and with States

and Tribes by upgrading data collection applications and methodologies so that data

collected in the field is better used and shared.

 Continuing to expand partnering opportunities for students and recent graduates in science,

technology, engineering, and mathematics. OSMRE staff plan to participate in virtual or

face-to-face outreach events at several K-12 grade schools and educational organizations.

 Developing course materials and topics that are relevant, useful, and technically sound.

 Issuing a solicitation for Applied Science proposalsthat will help use science-based solutions

to address mining and reclamation issues, selecting the best proposals to achieve the highest

valued outcomes, and continuing to track projects to verify value of results.

 Serving customers needing information from the NMMR. NMMR will continue its outreach

efforts to better target map collections, enhance its database management systems, and

coordinate with the States’mapping programs to synchronize efforts. NMMR will also work

towards allowing digital downloads of map scans.

 Continuing the AVS modernization effort, including re-design of the AVS to address its

outdated IT architecture and programming language.

49
Technology Development and Transfer

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments

In FY 2023, the TDT:

 Provided technical assistance to SMCRA partners on subjects such as blasting, dam safety,

water-quality, and reforestation issues.

 Maintained NMMR and ensured that the maps held in the NMMR are available to the public.

 Continued work on enhancing the CIMS to help modernize and upgrade the electronic

permitting system used by States and Tribes.

 Provided funds for research under the Applied Science Program and Mine Drainage

Technology Initiative Program to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the science of

coal mining and mine land reclamation.

 Enhanced GeoMine and other web-based mapping applications in an ongoing effort to

provide the best available data for surface coal mining operations acrossthe country, merging

data from numerous sources to create standardized, seamless layers that cross State

boundaries.

 Provided training through the NTTP and TIPS program.

 Conducted numerous educational outreach events to science teachers’ associations, science

classes, educational fairs, Earth Day events, career days, foreign visitors, grassroots

organizations, and professional associations and societies to inform and update the public on

our programs within the Regulatory Technology Development and Transfer program.

50
Financial Management

REGULATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCOUNT

Financial Management

51
Financial Management

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY ACCOUNT

Financial Management Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

2025 Change from

2024 2025 Fixed 2025 Internal Program 2025 2024

Regulation and Technology/ Financial Annualized Costs Transfers Changes President’s Annualized

Management 2023 Actual CR (+/-) (+/-) (+/-) Budget CR

Revenue Management 428 428 +9 - +19 456 28

FTE 1 2 - 2 -

Grants Financial Management 107 107 +4 - +9 120 13

FTE 1 1 - 1 -

Total 535 535 +13 - +28 576 41

FTE 2 3 - - - 3 -

The FY 2025 budget request for the Regulation and Technology Account Financial Management budget

activity is $576,000 and 3 FTEs, a program change of +$41,000 and 0 FTE from the FY 2024 Continuing

Resolution.

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Regulation and Technology/Financial Management

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +28 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +28 +0

Justification of FY 2025 Program Changes

Baseline Capacity (+$28,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to

help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments

include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to

continue to fulfill the OSMRE mission. The budget includes $28,000 in the Regulation and Technology

Financial Management Activity which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover the fixed costs

associated with mission operations in FY 2024. This request in combination with the FY 2025 fixed costs

amounts will allow the program to meet must pay requirements without impacting program activities.

OVERVIEW

The Financial Management group is funded by both appropriations to meet its OSMRE mission goals.

Revenue Management is funded by the Regulation and Technology Appropriation. Grants Financial

Management is funded by both the Regulation and Technology and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

appropriations. Fee Compliance mission goals are funded solely with the AML appropriation. OSMRE also

manages the transfers to the UMWA Health Benefit Plans and the 1974 Pension plan.

The following section discusses Financial Management activities funded under the Regulation and

Technology appropriation only.

52
Financial Management

1. Revenue Management

Revenue management includes the accounting and collection of revenue other than reclamation fees, such

as civil penalties assessed under Federal citations for mining violations, and Federal performance bonds

forfeited by coal mine permittees.

The FY 2025 budget request is $456,000 with 2 FTEs for the Revenue Management program activity, to

manage non-fee revenues and receivables from the OSMRE’s operations. These include the following:

 Federal civil penalties issued for mining operation violations;

 Bond forfeitures by Federally permitted mining companies;

 Fees for mine permit reviews and administration;

 Other miscellaneous fees and receipts.

OSMRE accesses a range of debt collection tools, which include demand letters, personal contact with the

debtor, use of payment plans, referral to private collection agencies through the Department of the Treasury,

litigation through the Department of Justice, and referral to the Department of the Treasury for payment

offset. In accordance with the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014, OSMRE refers civil

penalty debt that is more than 120 days delinquent to the Department of the Treasury for collection.

Levying penalties and fees help to ensure operators comply with coal mining regulations and ensure the

land is restored to beneficial use at the conclusion of mining operations. The bonds and penalties assessed

motivate responsible coal resource extraction management practice.

2. Grants Financial Management

This activity account is funded with both Regulation and Technology funds and AML funds. Grants

Financial Management services disburse reclamation and regulatory grants to States and Tribes under

OSMRE’s Environmental Restoration and Environmental Protection activities.

The Grants Financial Management activity includes the disbursement, accounting, reporting, and recovery

of grant funds. The FY 2025 budget request is $120,000 with 1 FTE. The Grants Financial Management

activities include the following:

Actions Required to Achieve Annual Goals: OSMRE uses technology and customer service initiatives to

achieve and improve processing of collections, which includes using technology to ease coal company

reporting burden, receiving quarterly coal production reports, providing information to companies, and

allow companies to make payments online.

Resources, Skills, and Technology Capacity: OSMRE’s Financial Management group invests in and

trains its program accountants, financial systems, and fee compliance staff to drive quality program

activities and maintain accurate fees collections. The Financial Management group staff relies on

contractors to handle billing, data entry, and appropriate collection functions.

53
Financial Management

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities

In FYs 2024 and 2025, OSMRE Financial Management services plans to:

 Look for opportunities to create efficiencies and improve effectiveness in the fee

accounting and collection processes.

 Continue to transition operators to electronic payment methods and E-filing.

 Continue to support the accounting of the Regulation and Technology Grants to States and

Tribes.

 Continue to evaluate CFCMS and SSCR modernization requirements and conduct fit gap

analysis.

 Continue CFCMS and SSCR multifactor authentication and cloud migration initiatives.

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments

In FY 2023, the major accomplishments in the Financial Management program activity included:

 Collecting $93.81 million in coal reclamation fees resulting in a collection rate of 99.78

percent on quarterly coal reclamation fees.

 Maintaining an E-filing enrollment rate of greater than 85 percent of the active reporting

permits, which are reported electronically through OSMRE’s internet-based reporting

system.

 Automatically processing 83.4 percent of quarterly fee payments, or 1,662 fee payments.

 Automatically processing 84.5 percent of OSM-1 Forms.

 Initiating CFCMS and SSCR multifactor authentication and cloud migration efforts.

 Conducting initial CFCMS and SSCR system evaluation.

54
Executive Direction and Administration

REGULATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCOUNT

Executive Direction and Administration

55
Executive Direction and Administration

56

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY ACCOUNT

Executive Direction and Administration Budget Activity Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

Regulation and Technology/ Executive

Direction and Administration 2023 Actual

2024

Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-)

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-) 

2025

Program

Changes

(+/-)

2025

President’s

Budget

Change from

2024

Annualized

CR

Executive Direction 2,330 2,330 +72 - +315 2,717 387

FTE 15 16 +1 17 1

Administrative Support 4,020 4,020 +140 - +290 4,450 430

FTE 27 31 - 31 -

General Services 9,180 9,180 +630 - +2,725 12,535 3,355

FTE - - - - -

Total 15,530 15,530 +842 - +3,330 19,702 4,172

FTE 42 47 - - +1 48 1

The Executive Direction and Administration business lines under Regulation and Technology provides 

leadership, policy direction, program management guidance, and support for all areas of responsibility for 

OSMRE. The FY 2025 budget request for Regulation and Technology Executive Direction and 

Administration is $19.7 million with 48 FTEs, a program change of +$3.3 million and 1 FTE for a 

Sustainability Coordinator. 

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Regulation and Technology/Executive Direction

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Federal Strategic Sustainability Initiative Coordinator +165 +1

IT - Data Center Migration Hosting and Cyber Security +2,476 +0

Zero Emission Vehicles +249 +0

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +440 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +3,330 +1

Justification of FY 2025 Program Changes

Federal Strategic Sustainability Initiative Coordinator (+$165,000/+ 1 FTE): The FY 2025 budget 

supports OSMRE’s dedicated sustainability program, including one FTE for comprehensive sustainability 

policy analysis and development, staff coordination, data collection and analysis, and external reporting in 

traditional sustainability focus areas. This is in accordance with The Federal Strategic Sustainability 

Initiative.

IT Data Center Migration, Hosting and Cyber Security (+$2,476,000): In FY 2024, OSMRE continued 

migrating the bureau’s applications, services, and associated workloads to the cloud. The overarching 

objective is to improve IT support for OSMRE employees and OSMRE stakeholders, which includes 

operational efficiencies the bureau will gain through cloud hosting while providing enhanced cyber 

resiliency capabilities (e.g., redundancy, data integrity, and data backups). This will require funds to move 

OSMRE’s data center and build its hosting environment in Albuquerque, NM. The migration of OSMRE’s 

data center includes hardware and contractor costs to build out the new hosting environment. Additionally, 

and in response to OMB M-22-16, “Administration Cybersecurity Priorities for the FY 2024 Budget” and 

OMB M-22-09, “Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles,” OSMRE 

intends to establish cybersecurity audit logging, Security Event and Incident Management (SEIM), 

Privilege Access Management (PAM), and Enhanced Endpoint Security capabilities.
Executive Direction and Administration

Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) (+$249,000): The request for OSMRE includes $249,000 in the Zero

Emission Fleet Modernization program to support vehicle fleet lifecycle replacement, fleet requirements

analysis, charging infrastructure planning and deployment, and fleet capabilities assessments. Across

Interior, the FY 2025 request includes $13 million for this purpose. This funding will continue Interior’s

efforts to right-size its fleet and replace vehicles with more efficient, mission capable, ZEVs at the right

locations and with the right vehicle mix to deliver Interior’s missions. OSMRE’s fleet planning efforts will

continue to ensure ZEVs are integrated into the overall fleet plan, prioritizing locations and appropriate

missions for deployment of these vehicles. Additionally, this funding will assist OSMRE with adapting

electric vehicle support equipment planning and deployment to address installation requirements which

vary by geographic region.

Baseline Capacity (+$440,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to

help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments

include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to

continue to fulfill the OSMRE mission. The budget includes $440,000 in the Regulation and Technology

Executive Direction and Administration Activity which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover

the fixed costs associated with mission operations in FY 2024. This request in combination with the FY

2025 fixed costs amounts will allow the program to meet must pay requirements without impacting program

activities.

OVERVIEW

The Executive Direction and Administration business line supports all the bureau’s programs. This business

line includes the Director’s Office and staff offices, IT, administration, human resources, and internal

financial management for the organization. Executive Direction and Administration provides internal

executive direction and administrative support to programs, regions, and field offices through the

development and coordination of agency policy, budget, plans, and other guidance documents. Additionally,

Executive Direction and Administration also oversees the implementation of Departmental and

Administration initiatives in the Bureau.

The responsibilities for Executive Direction and Administration are accomplished through the efficient and

effective operations of the two mission-critical bureau business lines (Environmental Restoration and

Environmental Protection) and the two business lines providing support functions (Technology

Development and Transfer and Financial Management). The Executive Direction and Administration

business line supports the DOI’s strategic goals by providing the required leadership and administrative

support functions for OSMRE programs (see chart below).

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Executive Direction and Administration

Program Activities: The funding request for this business line is to support the activities of Executive

Direction, Administrative Support, and General Services. Executive Direction, which includes the

immediate office of the Director, provides executive leadership and policy direction for the Bureau.

Administrative Support provides all the support services for day-to-day operations, including human

resources, IT, procurement, and finance and accounting. The performance of the Executive Direction

and Administration business line’s activities is an integral component of OSMRE’s Environmental

Restoration and Environmental mission; Technology Development; and the Financial Management support

functions.

Program performance will be measured by the success of OSMRE in carrying out its environmental

restoration and protection missions and through OSMRE’s contribution to Departmental initiatives and

high priority goals.

Actions Required to Achieve Annual Goals: The Executive Direction and Administration business line

continuously monitors OSMRE’s programs for management efficiencies and savings.

Resources, Skills, and Technology Capacity: OSMRE and its State and Tribal partners will continue to

need a diverse and multi-disciplinary cadre of personnel to accomplish the mission and goals of SMCRA.

These personnel will guide OSMRE through technical and policy decisions to ensure that coal-mining

activities, including post-mining reclamation, are carried out in such a manner that the safety and health of

coalfield citizens are protected, and the environment is protected.

58

EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND 

ADMINISTRATION 

ENCOMPASSES: 

Executive Direction 

Director's Office 

Staff Offices under the Director's Office 

• Office for Equal Opportunity 

• Office of Communications 

• Office of Planning, Analysis, and Budget 

• Office of Information Resources 

• Office of Human Resources 

• Office of Administration 

Administrative Support 

Financial Management 

• Acquisition Management 

• Information Management & Technology 

General Services 
Executive Direction and Administration

59

FY 2025 PROGRAM PERFORMANCE

Executive Direction

This activity provides executive direction, leadership, and policy and program management guidance for 

all areas of responsibility for OSMRE. The Executive Direction activity includes the salaries and operating 

expenses for the Office of the Director and six immediate staff offices, which include Equal Opportunity; 

Communications; Planning, Analysis, and Budget; Information Resources; Administration; and Human 

Resources.

Office of the Director (DIR)

The Director of OSMRE, a Senate-confirmed position, is the Chief Executive. The Director provides the 

leadership and direction of OSMRE activities as required under SMCRA. The Director’s primary objectives 

are to aggressively pursue the reclamation of AML sites and to prevent environmental problems in the 

coalfields during active mining by working collaboratively with the State regulatory agencies and other 

involved agencies. OSMRE makes every effort to ensure full public participation in the development and 

implementation of its regulatory responsibilities. This extensive outreach approach develops cooperative 

partnerships with OSMRE’s regulatory partners, and stakeholders, optimizing SMCRA implementation.

The Deputy Director is OSMRE’s Chief Operating Executive. The Deputy Director provides direct 

supervision for the business operations of the Bureau to the staff offices, as well as executive leadership to 

the other programs and offices. 

In FY 2024 and FY 2025, OSMRE will continue outreach efforts such as public meetings on proposed 

rulemakings, which promote public participation in policy making and facilitate discussion and information 

exchange on the current state of the coal industry. OSMRE will continue to take constructive steps to engage 

and collaborate with States, Tribes, citizens, other stakeholders, and industry. 

Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO)

The Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) promotes equal employment opportunities for all OSMRE 

employees. OEO manages OSMRE’s responsibilities relative to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act 

of 1964, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 

as well as Executive Orders, regulatory guidelines, and other nondiscrimination laws within the Federal 

Government. The office:

• provides leadership, direction, and policy guidance for Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 

program development; 

• provides prompt, fair, and impartial processing of discrimination pre-complaints and formal 

complaint processing, including an alternative dispute resolution program; 

• provides equal opportunity technical assistance and advice to employees and managers;

• conducts EEO compliance and diversity training and communicates with employees and 

employment applicants EEO policies, processes, and programs;

• develops, monitors, evaluates, and models EEOC’s MD-715 Affirmative Employment Program 

Plans and conducts studies on systemic employment problems;
Executive Direction and Administration

 assesses the effect of policies and practices on equal employment, identifies employment barriers,

recommends solutions, and develops written guidance for management;

 works closely with HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities to

share surface coal mining and reclamation career opportunities and recognizes special emphasis

program observances as designated by law;

 maintains a Civil Rights Complaints and Compliance program for federally assisted and conducted

programs; and

 implements OSMRE’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan to

address high priority needs in support of advancing Departmental and Bureau-wide DEIA

initiatives across Interior.

Office of Communications (OC)

The Office of Communications (OC) staff apply their experience in mass communication; digital

communications, including web design and development; social media; multimedia, including graphic

design, photography, and video creation; journalism; political science; media and public engagement;

accessibility; correspondence; and brand management to accurately share OSMRE activities and

information with States, Tribes, Congress, stakeholders, and the general public. OC creates content that

informs internal and external audiences about OSMRE programs and policies. The information is

distributed through digital platforms such as the OSMRE website, social media, video, infographics, and

traditional printed materials. The OC also administers OSMRE’s AMLReclamation Awards and Excellence

in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards, recognizing excellence in reclaiming active and abandoned

mine lands. The OC also leads the Bureau towards ensuring that letters, documents, drafts, graphics,

newsletters, and other media meet accessibility standards to enhance internal and external stakeholder

engagement and understanding of the Bureau.

OC plans, coordinates, produces, and distributes the following products internally and externally:

 Annual Reports

 Congressional Testimony

 Exhibits

 Fact Sheets

 News Releases

 Newsletters

 Reports

 Podcasts

 Publications

 Stakeholder Outreach

 Video

 Graphics

 Web and Social Media Content

OSMRE’s homepage, https://www.osmre.gov/, is managed by OC. The 21st Century IDEA Act and U.S.

web standards are continuously incorporated, ensuring that the public, industry, Congress, and other

stakeholders are well-informed of OSMRE’s activities through digital media.

60
Executive Direction and Administration

61

OC supports BIL implementation using many of the same communication channels. In addition, OC 

manages a web page dedicated to the BIL to inform the public, governing bodies, Congress, and internal 

stakeholders of current information at https://www.osmre.gov/bil.

Office of Planning, Analysis and Budget (OPAB)

The Office of Planning, Analysis and Budget (OPAB) performs nationwide planning, program analysis, and 

budget administration for OSMRE. OPAB coordinates efforts to promote compliance with major 

management legislation including the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, the Government 

Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010, the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking 

Act of 2018, the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act of 1982, the Antideficiency Act, and the 

Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, along with supporting direction such as 

OMB Circulars A-11 and A-123. OPAB also serves as the liaison with the DOI OIG, GAO, and the 

Department in response to audit reports. The Office:

• Supports the development of OSMRE’s and DOI’s strategic plans;

• Collects, reviews, and reports annual regulatory and reclamation program accomplishment data;

• Carries out formulation, presentation, and execution of OSMRE’s budget;

• Prepares and produces budget testimony for the Hill, OMB, and other stakeholders;

• Provides budget training and guidance for OSMRE departments;

• Works with all OSMRE departments and POB on the budget justification (Green Book);

• Completes accurate and timely UMWA and grant transfers and budget allocations; 

• Provides guidance on acquisition and contract projects to verify funds availability;

• Coordinates internal control and other program assessment reviews, in accordance with Executive 

Orders and Departmental initiatives;

• Coordinates OSMRE’s responses to audits and tracks all findings throughout the process of 

resolution and implementation; and 

• Oversees $11.3 billion BIL funding.

Information Resources Office (IRO)

The Information Resources Office (IRO) delivers Information Management and Technology (IMT) services 

to OSMRE. The IRO provides advice and assistance to the Director, Deputy Director, and other senior 

OSMRE managers to guide IT acquisition, utilization, and management within applicable policies, 

regulations, and industry best practices. IRO’s major functions include: 

• Providing advice and assistance to management and employees on IMT policy, applicable laws, 

regulations, and directives; 
Executive Direction and Administration

 Maintaining a management framework and coordination of OSMRE’s nationwide IMT

Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) activities, including approval of IMT

expenditures within OSMRE;

 Developing and implementing IMT strategic plans to ensure that all OSMRE information

systems are administered and developed in accordance with policies and strategic planning;

 Managing OSMRE’s General Support System and Information Security program in

support of OSMRE’s SMCRA mission;

 Providing Information Resources Management-related support to OSMRE’ssystem owners

to include information system security support;

 Ensuring integrity of IMT systems and databases through cybersecurity programs; and

 Managing all aspects of OSMRE’s information management flow to ensure government

transparency, accuracy, and responsiveness to information requests.

Office of Administration (OA)

The Office of Administration (OA) develops and administers OSMRE’s administrative policies and

procedures and implements the Bureau’s administrative support activities in the following program areas:

 Emergency Management

 Continuity of Operations

 Physical Security

 Occupational Safety and Health

 Property and Fleet Vehicles

 Space Management

 Sustainability

 Directives Management

 Printing and Publications

 Federal Transit Benefit Program

OA also provides administrative support to Headquarters’ offices. These support activities include office

moves, provision of general supplies and services, mailroom functions, and local official transportation.

Additionally, OA oversees OSMRE’s National Aviation Management and National Aviation Safety

Management functions. Through an OA-managed inter-agency agreement, OSMRE receives professional

staff support to ensure compliance with and promotion of all provisions and requirements affecting

OSMRE’s aviation operations, acquisitions, and safety as required by the Federal Aviation Administration

and as outlined in the Departmental aviation policy and Operational Procedures Memoranda.

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Executive Direction and Administration

Office of Human Resources (OHR)

OHR develops and implements policies, standards, and systems for the effective use of human resources to

accomplish the overall mission of OSMRE. Specifically, the human resources program provides managers

and employees with advice and technical assistance on the full range of human resources programs in

accordance with OSMRE, DOI, Office of Personnel Management, and other Federal policies and

guidelines. OHR provides processing and recordkeeping on recruitment, staffing, and hiring; conducts

position classification and organizational analysis; and administers pay and compensation programs for

general schedule and senior executive service positions. The Office also advises and processes employee

and retirement benefits; oversees performance management, awards, and recognition programs; implements

Human Capital initiatives; provides mandatory employee development and training assistance; and

provides guidance on employee relations and workplace issues including disciplinary actions. OHR

operations rely on automated systems such as the USA Staffing talent management system, the Federal

Personnel and Payroll System, Employee Express, and DOI Talent Learning Management System. These

automated systems provide direct online personnel history files, human resources information, and services

directly to the manager, employee, and applicant.

Special ongoing initiatives this office is working on are highlighted below:

Strategic Recruitment: OSMRE is experiencing workforce challenges in the areas of retention, attrition,

and successful recruitment options to attract new talent, particularly with the need to hire additional staff to

manage the new investment from the BIL. These challenges are the results of multiple factors, including

the decline in coal production. OHR, in conjunction and cooperation with OSMRE’s OEO, continues to

expand recruitment of the number of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities identified in underrepresented occupations. Efforts include using focused strategies to continue hiring of veterans that are an

integral part of this expanded recruitment efforts planned as authorized under recent EOs as well. OSMRE

promotes workforce diversity and continues to improve and strengthen human capital process and tools to

attract highly skilled applicants.

Strategic Management of Human Capital: OHR executes strategic position management activities with

quarterly and annual evaluations that link individual hiring decisions made during the year, thus

empowering managers to focus on developing competencies and skills needed to accomplish OSMRE

mission goals. To promote retention in positions where skill gaps have been identified, OSMRE can utilize

several programs including student loan repayments, relocation allowances, and retention incentives. In

addition, OSMRE uses honorary, non-monetary, and monetary awards to reward employees based on their

contributions to the work of the organization. Annual and tri-annual accountability audits are conducted to

ensure compliance and identify deficiencies for improvement.

Performance Management: In October 2023, OSMRE launched USA Performance, an electronic

performance appraisal system. OSMRE will provide training for supervisors on effective standard

development, roles and responsibilities, and employee performance awards to increase organization

effectiveness moving into FY 2025.

Employee Benefits/Work life Program: This HR program area is undergoing review, assessment, and

analysis in FY 2024 to improve operational efficiency. Re-entry activities include remote work and new

telework considerations. The review includes an alignment of the benefits program with HR operations.

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Executive Direction and Administration

Financial Management

OSMRE’s Financial Management group includes the Division of Compliance Management, Division of

Financial Management, and Division of Acquisition Management. These divisions work together to provide

guidance and develop policy for OSMRE' Financial Management services.

OSMRE’s Financial Management group provides services that support improved access and presentation

of financial data, including timely bill pay, receipts and expenditures recording, charge card management,

FAR travel advisories, producing financial management reports, guidance and training., administrative debt

collection, DOI’s audited financial statements support, and financial systems maintenance.

Acquisition Management

The Acquisition Management group provides guidance to ensure OSMRE meets its competitive sourcing

goals and that acquisition needs and requirements are met. This group also provides strategic acquisition

program direction for the Bureau and performs routine, day-to-day operational contracting support,

including data collection and external reporting, timely de-obligation of undelivered orders, maintenance

of quality contracting files, and customer outreach and education.

Information Management and Technology (IMT)

The Financial Management group assists Information Resource Office (IRO) by serving the acquisition and

contract management side of several IT contracts that maintain OSMRE’s statutorily mandated mission.

The contract portfolio ranges from applications overseeing coal mining regulatory and AML reclamation

programs, to those that assist States and Tribes to meet SMCRA objectives of SMCRA, and those that

regulate coal mining and reclamation activities on Federal and Tribal lands (and in those States opting not

to assume primacy for regulating coal mining and reclamation activities within their borders). IMT budget

funds are included in General Services.

In FY 2023 and continuing into FY 2024, OSMRE IRO applications, services, and associated workloads

began migrating to the cloud. This will improve IMT services to OSMRE employees, mission owners, and

OSMRE stakeholders.

OSMRE IT system support enhancements will support the following primary mission information systems:

 AVS;

 e-AMLIS;

 CFCMS;

 CIMS;

 NMMR; and

 AMDTreat.

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Executive Direction and Administration

General Services

This funding activity includes essential costs to support OSMRE’s program missions. No personnel or

operational activities are funded by this component. The cost estimates for FY 2025 reflect estimated

Departmental fixed cost changes from FY 2024 levels and known future plans, including co-location, space

reduction, anticipated contracting efficiencies, and investment in technologies and systems to yield

additional efficiencies in the future. Table 6 shows the projected General Services costs by category for FYs

2024 and 2025 under Regulation and Technology.

Table 6 – Estimated R&T General Services Costs

(in Whole Dollars)

Line Item

2024

R&T

Enacted

2025

R&T

Estimate

DOI Working Capital Fund - Central Bill 1,900,171 2,034,760

DOI Working Capital Fund - Direct Bill 1,101,336 886,802

Unemployment Compensation 15,419 7,823

Worker's Compensation 107,197 115,927

Rent and Utilities 4,027,218 4,240,208

Telecommunications 110,134 140,819

Postage 8,811 10,668

Bureau-wide Printing/Supplies 145,376 174,245

Operational & IT Support Contracts 613,077 960,128

Service Contracts 445,086 823,647

Other Interagency Agreements 318,506 558,296

GSA Work Authorizations & Administration 8,811 9,957

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure 196,038 189,892

Zero Emission (ZEV) Fleet Modernization 182,822 177,090

IT-Data Center Migration, Hosting, & Cyber Security 0 2,204,738

Change from

2024

+134,588

-214,533

-7,595

+8,730

+212,991

+30,685

+1,857

+28,869

+347,051

+378,561

+239,790

+1,146

-6,146

-5,732

+2,204,738

Total 9,180,000 12,535,000 +3,355,000

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Executive Direction and Administration

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities

In FYs 2024 and 2025, ongoing and planned activities in the Executive Direction and Administration

program activity include:

 Completing a major website modernization project to consolidate and reorganize content and

migrating it into a content management system to improve the overall OSMRE user experience.

 Maintaining an up to date online plain language glossary of commonly used OSMRE terms.

 Continuing to utilize training as a strategy to increase cultural competencies, reduce the number

of EEO complaints filed, and conduct civil rights reviews on federally assisted and conducted

programs.

 Improving the availability of self-guided videos and instructions through a single application.

 Begin converting the bureau’s fleet to ZEVs and working closely with intra- and inter-agency

partners to improve ZEV charging infrastructure.

 Continuing to review opportunitiesto reduce OSMRE’s leased space footprint and expenditures.

 Continuing to identify opportunities to promote new and existing acquisition requirements.

 Continuing to improve the quality of FBMS asset record data.

 Continuing to enhance the bureau’s performance management program through enhanced

standard operating procedures for collected and reporting performance data, and by regular

review of and improvements to program performance measures.

 Finalizing an OSMRE Directive on the bureau’s performance management program to ensure

consistent compliance with the Government Performance Results Act of 1993 and the

Government Performance Results Modernization Act of 2010.

 Supporting DOI’s Financial Audit Statements.

 Continuing to improve the delivery and accessibility of financial information for risk mitigation

and decision making.

 Identifying a complete set of consolidation targets for closure and beginning planning to fund

migration of the respective computing environments to a Cloud computing environment or to a

Major-Tiered Data Center.

 Continuing to provide adequate resource levels needed to maintain current telecommunications

services while fully transitioning data and voice services from legacy telecommunications

contracts to Environmental Impact Statement.

 Assessing current IMT-related HR staffing and capabilities to address the goal of developing

and maintaining a talented and knowledgeable IMT workforce. This includes assessing current

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Executive Direction and Administration

capacity to translate the Department’s competency models into skill gaps for bureau and office

IT employees, accelerating the time to hire new employees, and developing professional

development plans that provide career paths for bureau IT employees.

 Assessing current capabilities in the areas of customer success management, customer

relationship management, and IT service management to establish baseline and determine future

funding requirements for enhancements.

 Assessing resources needed to support mandated data management activities. Continuing to

provide administrative support across the bureau to enable mission success in the other OSMRE

business lines.

 Continuing to identify labor intensive administrative activities, and evaluating appropriate

regulatory, policy, and technology solutions to yield operational efficiencies.

 Continuing to enhance OSMRE’s data integrity and reporting capabilities through enhanced

standard operating procedures for gathering, reconciling, and reporting financial transactions at

both the bureau and Department-wide consolidated level.

 Continuing to support the bureau’s OMB Circular A-123 - Management's Responsibility for

Internal Control goals specifically addressing the assessment, documentation, and reporting on

the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

 Continuing to support DOI’s BusinessIntegration Office (BIO)’s conversion effortsfor upgrades

of the FBMS conversion to S4Hana.

 Continuing to support DOI’s efforts to implement the use of the Department of Treasury’s GInvoicing.

 Improving the availability of standard operating procedures. Enhancing internal communication

methods to facilitate the sharing of information within the Bureau and the Department.

 Enriching agency transparency and stakeholder issue relevance of the BIL by launching a new

story map on osmre.gov that demonstrates positive impacts of the BIL within coalfield

communities.

 Enhancing bureau-wide proficiency in producing Section 508 accessible information products

and enriching public accessibility by institutionalizing Section 508 accessibility training for

OSMRE staff.

 Implementing web and social media analytic tools to measure effectiveness for informing and

improving public communications.

 Enhancing the www.osmre.gov homepage, enhancing the user experience and accessibility

(mobile use, reduced scroll, new menus, rotating content, newsroom and social media previews,

and document searching).

 Reducing the digital footprint of www.osmre.gov by optimizing search standards and hosted

documents on the website.

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Executive Direction and Administration

 Implementing planned end-user service enhancements on the OSMRE website, including

accessibility, user design, and user experience.

 Continuing implementation of the 21st Century IDEA, including ensuring that information and

services are discoverable and optimized for search, that there is a consistent visual design and

agency brand identity throughout our deliverables, that our work is user-centered and uses a

data-driven design, and that we are using the latest mobile-first design to scale across varying

device sizes.

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments

In FY 2023, the major accomplishments in the Executive Direction and Administration program activities

included:

 Implemented a new support agreement with the DOI Office of Wildland Fire (OWF)

allowing qualified OSMRE personnel to support and collaborate with OWF in support of

incident responses for DOI’s Wildland Fire Management program.

 Promulgated the OSMRE CARE (Conduct Accountability Respect Employees) program to

ensure that harassment in the workplace is reported, addressed, and eliminated, timely and

appropriately.

 Improved the quality of OSMRE’s Safety and Occupational Health program by enhancing

the ability of OSMRE managers to identify and mitigate employee risk.

 Scored green in all areas of DOI’s Financial Performance Metrics.

 Achieved 100 percent prompt pay on vendor payments.

 Completed required CPIC evaluations for all IMT programs and major investments.

 Provided educational and employment opportunities to youth in the areas of

communications, budget, information technology, auditing, and general administration.

 Supported DOI’s Audited Financial Statements for FY 2023.

 Successfully managed OSMRE purchase charge card online system.

 Supported DOI’s Business Integration Office (BIO)’s initial conversion efforts of the

upgrades for the FBMS and Data Warehouse.

 Supported DOI’s efforts to implement the use of the Department of Treasury’s G-Invoicing,

a long-term solution for Federal Program Agencies (FPAs) to manage their

intragovernmental (IGT) Buy/Sell transactions that will be implemented in FY 2025.

 Implemented quarterly contract auditing for acquisitions.

 Increased the frequency and number of news releases to enhance transparency and

information sharing with media partners and the public.

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Executive Direction and Administration

 Enriched user experience and interface on www.osmre.gov by migrating the Drupal Content

Management System to Drupal 10.

 Completed Phase 4 of the Department of the Interior’s E.O. 13988 Implementation Plan,

which included the review of more than 171 osmre.gov web pages to ensure compliance

with E.O. 13988, Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity

or Sexual Orientation. The E.O. requires agencies to review its orders, regulations, guidance

documents, policies, programs, and other agency actions to ensure that they are consistent

with the policy of equal treatment under the law, regardless of gender identity or sexual

orientation.

 Initiated media intelligence and monitoring via a public relations and media software service

provider to enrich OSMRE’s presence in the information environment. More specifically,

enriching agency transparency by issuing and tracking news releases and their salience with

media outlets and audiences.

 Redesigned the new release template, bringing essential information into a streamlined

format and decreasing the amount of time spent developing releases.

 Increased agency transparency by enriching the osmre.gov newsroom webpage to include

“stories” that highlight the work of OSMRE and its partners.

 Increased agency transparency by launching the @us_osmre Instagram account and the

Reclaim, Restore & More podcast series on Spotify, enabling OSMRE to reach a broader

audience on social media platforms using different digital media.

 Began to digitize the Technical Assistance and Tech Transfer evaluation forms as part of the

21st Century IDEA and establishing more digital services.

 Enriched agency transparency and audience accessibility by incorporating Section 508

accessibility reviews of all internal and external information products on all digital

platforms and channels.

69
Abandoned Mine Reclamation

ACCOUNT: ABANDONED MINE

RECLAMATION FUND

70
Abandoned Mine Reclamation

ACCOUNT: ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Program Summary

The 2025 budget for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (AMR) is $175.8 million, $6.9 million above

the 2024 Continuing Resolution. This account derives a portion of its funding from a fee levied on coal

produced for sale, use, or transfer and supports reclamation program functions carried out by the States,

Tribes, and OSMRE.

The budget includes $156.1 million for Environmental Restoration activities carried out by States and

OSMRE, $4.1 million above the 2024 Continuing Resolution. That amount includes $21.1 million, $4.1

million above the 2024 Continuing Resolution, for State reclamation program oversight, expanded water

treatment grants to treat acid mine drainage, Federal reclamation operations and projects, and reclamation

program development.

The budget for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program is $135.0 million,

equal to the 2024 Continuing Resolution. The program provides grants to eligible Appalachian States and

qualifying Tribes to return legacy coal mining sites to productive use and foster economic and community

development. These grants can benefit coal communities by reclaiming formerly mined lands for beneficial

economic uses and provide local, good-paying union jobs for skilled labor in some of the hardest hit

communities in the Nation. These grants can also address long-standing hazards and environmental

degradation near coal communities, such as acid mine drainage. The request proposes to allocate 1.25

percent of annual AMLER appropriations to support program administration and oversight by Interior’s

Office of the Inspector General.

The budget includes $19.7 million, an increase of $2.9 million above the 2024 Continuing Resolution, to

support OSMRE’s technology development and transfer, financial management, and executive direction

activities that support AML program implementation.

Appropriations Language

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

For necessary expenses to carry out title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977,

Public Law 95–87, $40,815,000, to be derived from receipts of the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund and

to remain available until expended: Provided, That pursuant to Public Law 97–365, the Department of the

Interior is authorized to use up to 20 percent from the recovery of the delinquent debt owed to the United

States Government to pay for contracts to collect these debts: Provided further, That funds made available

under title IV of Public Law 95–87 may be used for any required non-Federal share of the cost of projects

funded by the Federal Government for the purpose of environmental restoration related to treatment or

abatement of acid mine drainage from abandoned mines: Provided further, That such projects must be

consistent with the purposes and priorities of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act: Provided

further, That amounts provided under this heading may be used for the travel and per diem expenses of

State and tribal personnel attending Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement sponsored

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Abandoned Mine Reclamation

training: Provided further, That of the amounts provided under this heading, not to exceed $5,000 shall be

available for official reception and representation expenses.

In addition, $135,000,000, to remain available until expended, for grants to States and federally recognized

Indian Tribes for reclamation of abandoned mine lands and other related activities in accordance with the

terms and conditions described in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding

division A of this consolidated Act): Provided, That such additional amount shall be used for economic and

community development in conjunction with the priorities in section 403(a) of the Surface Mining Control

and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1233(a)): Provided further, That of such additional amount, 0.75

percent shall be available to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for program

administration and 0.5 percent shall be available for transfer to the Office of the Inspector General of the

Department of the Interior for oversight of funding provided under this heading: Provided further, That of

such additional amount, $86,850,000 shall be distributed in equal amounts to the three Appalachian States

with the greatest amount of unfunded needs to meet the priorities described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of

such section, $34,740,000 shall be distributed in equal amounts to the three Appalachian States with the

subsequent greatest amount of unfunded needs to meet such priorities, and $11,722,500 shall be for grants

to federally recognized Indian Tribes without regard to their status as certified or uncertified under the

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1233(a)), for reclamation of abandoned

mine lands and other related activities in accordance with the terms and conditions described in the

explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act)

and shall be used for economic and community development in conjunction with the priorities in section

403(a) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977: Provided further, That such additional

amount shall be allocated to States and Indian Tribes within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Note--A full-year 2024 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared;

therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and

Other Extensions Act (Division A of Public Law 118–15, as amended). The amounts included for 2024

reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Fund

This appropriation supports the discretionary reclamation program functions carried out by States, Tribes,

and OSMRE. The appropriation is partially derived from receipts generated from a fee on each ton of coal

produced for sale, transfer, or use. The AMR also includes funding for OSMRE to administer and monitor

State abandoned mine land reclamation programs, provide technical training, assistance, and transfer

activities related to environmental restoration. The FY 2025 budget request for current appropriations for

the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund account is $175.8 million.

For necessary expenses to carry out title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of

1977, Public Law 95-87,

 30 U.S.C. 1231, 1232, 1233 and 1240 – Provides for the payment of fees and other monies into the

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (Fund). The Fund consists of amounts deposited from time to

time, derived from reclamation fees, donations, audit recoveries, interest charges, and

administrative collection fees. The funds collected are used for the reclamation and restoration of

land and water resources adversely affected by past mining.

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Abandoned Mine Reclamation

 SMCRA provides for the use of the monies for the purpose of protecting public health, safety, and

property from extreme danger of adverse effects of coal mining practices; restoration of land and

water resources and the environment previously degraded by adverse effects of coal mining

practices, and that are adjacent to a site that has been or will be remediated. It also provides that

monies in the Fund will be used to cover the administrative expenses of the Federal government,

accomplish abandoned mine reclamation, and develop guidelines on the distribution of monies in

the Fund.

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Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

Justification of Fixed Costs Changes

(Dollars In Thousands)

Fixed Cost Element

2024

Annualized

CR

or Change

2024

Annualized

CR to 2025

Request

Change Description

Change in Number of Paid Days +72 0

Total paid days for FY 2025 is 261 (2088 hours) which is the same

number of days as FY 2024.

Pay Raise +913 +527

The President's Budget for 2025 includes one quarter (OctoberDecember 2024) of the 5.2% pay raise for 2024 and three quarters

(January-September 2025) of the estimated 2.0% pay raise for

2025.

Departmental Working Capital Fund

(WCF) +27 +71

The estimates reflect final decisions of the Working Capital Fund

Consortium on the FY 2025 WorkingCapital Fund Central Bill.

Workers' Compensation Payments -1 +2

The amount reflects final chargeback costs of compensating injured

employees and dependents of employees who suffer accidental

death while on duty. This amount reflects the final Workers

Compensation bill for 2025 payable to the Department of Labor,

Federal Employees Compensation Fund, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.

8147(b) as amended by Public Law 94-273.

Unemployment Compensation Payments 0 -3

The amount reflects projected changes in the costs of

unemployment compensation claims to be paid to the Department

of Labor, Federal Employees Compensation Account, in the

Unemployment Trust Fund, pursuant to Public Law 96-499. This

estimate reflects an applied annual inflation factor of 3.0% to the 5-

year average of actuals between 2018-2022.

GSA and Non-GSA Rents +81 +64

This estimate reflects the FY 2025 President's Budget Exhibit 54s

as submitted. The amounts reflect changes in the costs payable to

General Services Administration (GSA) and others for office and

non-office space as estimated by GSA, as well as the rental costs of

other currently occupied space. These estimates reflect MIB rent,

Security, Federal Reserve Parking, and Operations and

Maintenance, distributed by bureau and office, based upon OFAS

provided MIB occupancy levels. Costs of mandatory office

relocations, i.e. relocations in cases where due to external events

there is no alternative but to vacate the currently occupied space,

are also included.

Total, Account 2025 Fixed Costs +1,092 +661

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ABANDONED MINE

RECLAMATION FUND

Environmental Restoration

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Environmental Restoration

76

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Environmental Restoration Activity Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/

Environmental Restoration 2023 Actual

2024

Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-)

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-) 

2025

Program

Changes

(+/-)

2025

President’s

Budget

Change from

2024

Annualized

CR

State and Tribal Funding--Passive Treatment

Protection Program 500 500 - - +2,000 2,500 2,000

FTE - - - - -

State Program Evaluation 2,866 2,866 +68 - +142 3,076 210

FTE 15 15 - 15 -

Federal Reclamation Programs - Projects 6,119 6,119 - - +1,000 7,119 1,000

FTE - - - -

Federal Reclamation Program - Operations 3,300 3,300 +59 - +573 3,932 632

FTE 13 13 - 13 -

Program Development and Maintenance 4,303 4,303 +69 - +142 4,514 211

FTE 13 15 - 15 -

AML Economic Revitalization Grants 135,000 135,000 - - - 135,000 -

FTE - - - - -

Total 152,088 152,088 +196 - +3,857 156,141 4,053

FTE 41 43 - - - 43 -

In addition to the discretionary appropriations above, OSMRE will also distribute mandatory funding 

for AML reclamation.

Summary of FY 2025 Program Changes for Environmental Restoration

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/Environmental Restoration

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Passive Treatment Protection Program (PTPP) Grants +2,000 +0

Federal Reclamation Projects in Oklahoma +1,000 +0

Grants Solutions +450 +0

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +407 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +3,857 +0

Justification of the FY 2025 Program Changes

The FY 2025 budget request for the AMR Environmental Restoration budget activity is $156.1 million 

and 43 FTEs, a program change of +$3.9 million and 0 FTE from the FY 2024 Continuing Resolution.

Passive Treatment Protection Program (PTPP) (+$2,000,000): This request will provide grants to help 

operate, maintain, and rehabilitate AML passive treatment systems constructed with funds provided by 

OSMRE, thereby protecting previous investments and maintaining improvements in water quality. The 

PTPP will provide grants (cooperative agreements) to not-for-profit IRS 501(c)(3) status organizations (e.g., 

watershed groups), organizations using AmeriCorps and its VISTA programs, local governments, Tribal 

governments, certain State government agencies, and universities that maintain passive treatment systems 

that treat mine drainage (water pollution) from AML.
Environmental Restoration

Enhance GrantSolutions Capabilities (+$450,000): GrantSolutions, DOI’s financial assistance

management software platform, enables DOI to manage grants and cooperative agreements through the

award life cycle (pre-award, award, post- award, and closeout). This proposal will fund OSMRE’s estimated

share of the system’s increased management and operations costs, ensuring effective and consistent

management of OSMRE AML grants.

Priority Federal Reclamation Projects in Oklahoma (+$1,000,000): Pursuant to the Supreme Court

decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, OSMRE is charged with enforcing SMCRA on Tribal lands within

Oklahoma and has responsibility for an estimated $90 million in unreclaimed Priority 1 and Priority 2 AML

projects. The request of an additional $1.0 million builds on the $4.0 million of base funding that supports

reclamation of AML projects in Oklahoma.

Baseline Capacity (+$407,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to

help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments

include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to

continue to fulfill the OSMRE mission. The budget includes $407,000 in the Environmental Restoration

Activity which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover the fixed costs associated with mission

operations in FY 2024. This request in combination with the FY 2025 fixed costs amounts will allow the

program to meet must pay requirements without impacting program activities.

OVERVIEW

As stewards of our Nation’s natural and cultural resources, DOI is entrusted with safeguarding these

resources for future generations. Environmental issues associated with abandoned mine sites—such as

water pollution, open portals and pits, refuse piles, and land stripped of natural vegetation—degrade our

natural resources and create public health and safety risks. OSMRE’s AML programs focus on resolving

these problems, which restores our land and water resources. These improvements also encourage local

communities and other partners to make further investments that drive economic redevelopment—such as

new businesses and recreation facilities—improve wildlife habitat, and/or conserve land. Mine site

restoration improvesthe environment, safeguards people and property, and revitalizes communities through

direct and indirect job creation.

Through the Environmental Restoration Program, OSMRE evaluates State and Tribal AML Programs,

ensures abatement of mining related hazards, and fosters partnerships to address acid mine drainage

(AMD). In FY 2025, States and Tribes plan to restore approximately 9,600 acres of abandoned coal mine

lands with traditional mandatory AML grants thereby eliminating health, safety, and environmental hazards

for wildlife and the public.

AML problems are classified by priority:

 Priority 1: Protection of public health, safety, and property from extreme

danger of adverse effects of coal mining practices.

 Priority 2: Protection of public health, safety, and property from adverse effects

of coal mining practices.

 Priority 3: Restoration of land and water resources and the environment

previously degraded by adverse effects of coal mining practices.

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Environmental Restoration

As of September 30, 2023, the nation inventory that OSMRE oversees included more than 24,000 problem

areas2 associated with AML sites. The estimated cost to reclaim all remaining Priority 1, Priority 2, and

Priority 3 problems is nearly $12 billion.3

Fees levied on coal production provide the funding for the AML fee-based reclamation program. The BIL

reauthorized OSMRE’s authority to collect these fees through September 30, 2034, and lowered the fees by

20 percent.

Program Activities: The primary goal of the Environmental Restoration business line is to mitigate the

damage caused by historical coal mining by restoring the environment and, as a result, protecting the health

and safety of wildlife and the public.

The Environmental Restoration business line includes the following programs:

The Passive Treatment Protection Program (PTPP) provides financial assistance through cooperative

agreements with organizations to help operate, maintain, and rehabilitate passive treatment systems that

treat water pollution from AML mine drainage.

State and Tribal Program Evaluation coordinates the evaluation and oversight of the State and Tribal AML

reclamation operations funded under the AML Fee-based Reclamation Program. Program evaluation

includes reviewing reported results from completed projects.

Federal Reclamation Program--Projects and Federal Reclamation Program--Operations complete AML

projects for States and Tribes that do not have an approved State/Tribal AML Program.

The Program Development and Maintenance Program provides policy direction, support, and services to

States and Tribes.

The AML Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program provides eligible States and Tribes with AMLER

grants and guidance on project eligibility, criteria, and reporting requirements.

Actions Required to Achieve Annual Goals: In FY 2025 and beyond, OSMRE will work with State and

Tribal reclamation agencies and through private and grassroots associations to guide reclamation

partnerships. OSMRE will increase efforts to leverage funding from other government and non-government

organizations to address abandoned mine sites. This emphasis on partnerships and leveraging resources

supports cooperative conservation efforts.

Resources, Skills, and Technology Capacity: OSMRE recruits, trains, and fosters a diverse and

multidisciplinary scientific, engineering, information technology (IT), and analytically skilled workforce.

Working as a team, OSMRE staff develop reclamation project designs, construction criteria, and review

and monitor watershed cooperative agreements and civil penalty and bond forfeiture reclamation projects.

Either directly or in conjunction with contractors for Federal programs, OSMRE IT staff and contractors

2 A problem area is a geographical area containing one or more abandoned mine land problems.

3 States and Tribes input estimated costs of outstanding work into e-AMLIS. OSMRE used the data to come up with

the $12 billion figure..

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Environmental Restoration

maintain and improve the “enhanced-Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System” (e-AMLIS). E-AMLIS

stores, manages, tracks, and reports the inventory of reclaimed and unreclaimed AML problems. Program

analysts, grant specialists, and other support personnel evaluate and manage the State and Tribal grants

program and conduct program evaluations.

The following section details, by program activity, the funding and FTE resources required to achieve

annual performance goals.

PROGRAM DETAILS AND FY 2025 REQUEST

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

The Fund established by SMCRA is capitalized with fees collected from operators in the United States

based on the amount of coal they produce. OSMRE distributes these funds to States and Tribes to finance

reclamation of AML sites. The BIL extended OSMRE’s authority to collect these fees through September

30, 2034, and reduced the amount of the fees by 20 percent.

Table 7 below identifies which States and Tribes have approved AML Programs and receive AML grants

from permanent mandatory appropriations, and which are do not have approved programs and instead

rely on discretionary funding administered by OSMRE. 

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Environmental Restoration

Table 7 – State, Tribal, and Federal Responsibility for the AML Program and Emergency Issues

Responsible Party AML Program & Emergency Issues

State and Tribal Alabama North Dakota

Responsibility Alaska Ohio

Arkansas Pennsylvania

Colorado Tennessee

Illinois Texas

Indiana Utah

Iowa Virginia

Kansas West Virginia

Kentucky Wyoming

Louisiana

Maryland

Mississippi Tribes:

Missouri Crow Tribe

Montana Hopi Tribe

New Mexico Navajo Nation

Federal California Tribes other than

Responsibility Georgia Crow, Hopi, and

Idaho Navajo*

Massachusetts

Michigan

North Carolina

Oklahoma*

Oregon

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Washington

*OSMRE has conducted AML reclamation projects on Tribal lands across the Nation and assumed responsibility

for AML reclamation projects on all Tribal lands in Oklahoma in FY 2021.

The FY 2025 AMR appropriation for Environmental Restoration will support State Program Evaluation,

Federal Reclamation Program Operations, and Program Development and Maintenance. Funding

appropriated from the AML Fund also covers Federal expenses requested by Technology Development and

Transfer, Financial Management, and Executive Direction and Administration, business lines as explained

in other sections of the Greenbook.

1. State and Tribal Funding

Passive Treatment Protection Program (PTPP): The PPTP provides financial assistance through

cooperative agreements for organizations to help operate, maintain, and rehabilitate passive treatment

systems that were constructed to treat mine drainage (water pollution) from AML. Although passive

treatment systems are designed to work without frequent maintenance, they require maintenance over time

to keep them operating efficiently. Through the PTPP, OSMRE can provide funds for operations,

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Environmental Restoration

maintenance, and renovation costs of existing passive treatment systems, thereby protecting previous

investments and maintaining improvements in water quality.

OSMRE’s budget request for FY 2025 includes $500,000 to continue implementing and administering the

PTPP and $2,000,000 for grants (cooperative agreements) to not-for-profit IRS 501(c)(3) status

organizations (e.g., watershed groups), organizations using AmeriCorps and its VISTA programs, local

governments, Tribal governments, certain State government agencies, and universities that maintain passive

treatment systems that treat polluted mine drainage from AML.

2. State and Tribal Program Evaluation

SMCRA requires OSMRE to monitor the progress and quality of each State and Tribal AML Program to

confirm that the reclamation programs function effectively. These evaluations of State and Tribal

reclamation programs help facilitate more efficient and effective use of program dollars. The FY 2025

OSMRE budget request includes $3.1 million and 15 FTE for State Program Evaluation activities.

OSMRE reviews documents submitted by States and Tribes (e.g., grant applications, amendments, and

reports), conducts periodic funding drawdown reviews, and completes on-site evaluations of selected

reclamation projects. OSMRE also provides States and Tribes with expert technical assistance for these

projects. OSMRE, States, and Tribes hold conferences and forums to discuss reclamation issues,

technology, and solutions to reclamation problems.

OSMRE utilizes topic-specific oversight reviews to monitor State and Tribal AML Program operations.

Instead of reviewing entire programs each year, OSMRE field offices work closely with each State or Tribe

to develop a performance agreement, which identifies the areas to be reviewed and establishes performance

measures. OSMRE reviews any performance agreements that last longer than a year to gauge the status of

the program.

3. Federal Reclamation Program

OSMRE directly addresses environmental hazards occurring in States or Tribal lands without AML

programs on a priority basis. It also administers high priority projects funded by Federal civil penalties

collected from operators and projects funded from bonds forfeited by operators of Federally permitted sites.

The FY 2025 total request for the Federal Reclamation Program is $11.1 million and 13 FTEs.

a. Federal Reclamation Projects

The FY 2025 request includes $7.1 million for Federal reclamation projects, including $5,035,000 for

Federal reclamation projects on Tribal lands in Oklahoma, $785,000 for Federal emergency reclamation

projects, and $1.3 million for watershed cooperative agreements. In addition to the requested funds,

OSMRE will also continue to administer Federal reclamation projects in FY 2025 utilizing available civil

penalty funds collected as authorized in SMCRA.

i. Watershed Cooperative Agreement Projects (WCAP)

The WCAP program supports projects with multiple funding sources to assist groups, such as small

watershed organizations, complete local AMD reclamation projects. Eligible grantees are not-for-profit

groups that plan to complete AMD stream clean up construction projects. Local organizations work with

other partners to assemble funding or in-kind services to increase the reach and impact of Federal resources.

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Environmental Restoration

The maximum award amount for a WCAP grant is $100,000, with a two-year performance period. Although

funds are primarily used for the construction phase of the project, any administrative or construction cost

associated with the completion of the project is allowable. The requested OSMRE funding must be the final

amount necessary to complete the project.

The funding priority and technical focus of WCAP grants is to restore streams affected by AMD to a level

that will support a diverse biological community and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The

project must produce tangible results, such as fisheries restored, stream miles improved, educational and

community benefits, or pollutants removed from streams. There also must be a plan to address any ongoing

operation/maintenance considerations.

ii. Civil Penalty Projects

SMCRA authorizes Federal civil penalties collected under Section 518 of the Act to be used for reclaiming

lands mined and abandoned sites. OSMRE is authorized to assess monetary civil penalties nationwide on

active coal mining operations. These monetary assessments are available to fund reclamation of bond

forfeiture sites and to fund projects proposed by both State and Federal regulatory authorities.

iii. Federal Emergency Projects

Federal emergency projects are conducted to immediately abate emergency abandoned mine hazards in

States and on Tribal lands without an approved AML Program. Emergency projects address abandoned coal

mine lands that present an immediate danger to public health, safety, or general welfare. Examples of such

emergencies include landslides near homes and across roads, land subsidence occurring under houses and

public buildings, mine and coal waste fires, and mine openings such as vertical shafts discovered near

populated areas.

When notified of an emergency, typically within 48 hours OSMRE personnel review available information

and visit the site to perform an investigation. If the emergency is determined to be AML-related, OSMRE

conducts remedial action as quickly as possible to abate the situation. The initial response does not always

fully reclaim the site but does mitigate the immediate human health or safety hazard. The remaining

reclamation is completed after the emergency has been addressed. Emergency projects can occur all over

the country and these mining related hazards can take many forms.

An example of OSMRE’s Federal Emergency Project work in FY 2023 is Project WA-22-001, an AML

emergency project in Issaquah, Washington. The project involved land subsidence on private property

adjacent to a mine tunnel opening that ran beneath the entire width of the sole access road to a residential

community of 3,900 people. OSMRE spent nearly $430,000 for architecture, engineering, and construction

services to reclaim the features. Reclamation was completed by constructing an earthen buttress at the toe

of the slope to prevent slope failure during the drilling and grouting of the mine tunnel and subsidence

feature (see photos below).

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Photo on left: looking down from the access road to the community into the private property, showing the excavation

of the subsidence feature and construction of the slope toe buttress to stabilize the slope. Photo on right: the drilling

and grouting of the mine tunnel entry and underground mine voids in the slope soils above the subsidence feature.

Photos taken by Cody Yankey, OSMRE Project Manager on 6/27/2022 (before) and 3/3/2023 (work in progress).

Photo above displays the reclaimed subsidence and mine tunnel site. Photo taken by Cody Yankey, OSMRE Project

Manager on 3/31/2023 (after).

A retaining wall and drainage system were placed at the base of the slope buttress to facilitate moving

drainage away from the reclaimed subsidence and mine tunnel. The top of the buttress was vegetated with

local shrubs and ground cover to stabilize soils and utilize precipitation that fell on the slope. At the edge

of the road above the features, a curbing was placed to shed water downslope along the roadway into the

storm water sewer to ensure water would not affect the reclamation, and reflective markers were installed

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Environmental Restoration

along the road shoulder for safety. The project was completed within 67 days of declaration of the

emergency, protecting the landowner’s property and the sole access road to a community of 3,900 residents.

iv. Federal Reclamation Program Operations

The total request for Federal Reclamation Program operations is $3.9 million and 13 FTEs. Federal

Reclamation Program Operations funding enables OSMRE staff to administer watershed cooperative

agreements and address Federal emergencies, high priority projects, and civil penalty projects. Emergency

projects are handled through the process described in the previous section. The process for Federal high

priority projects is similar, beginning with the determination of whether a condition is related to an

abandoned coal mine. If so, OSMRE determines the priority for reclamation.

Once the determination is made, the Federal Reclamation Program staff obtains approval for project funding

and develops the abatement plan. This process includes seven elements:

1. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),

Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the National Historic Preservation Act

(NHPA).

2. Obtaining the right of entry for access.

3. Developing engineering plans and specifications needed for abatement.

4. Preparing and mailing bid packages to potential construction contractors.

5. Conducting pre-bid and pre-construction conferences.

6. Awarding contracts.

7. Coordinating, managing, and inspecting all aspects of the ongoing construction,

and reviewing, approving, and paying invoices.

4. Program Development and Maintenance

The Program Development and Maintenance activity is an integral part of the State and Tribal funding

program. The FY 2025 budget proposes $4.5 million in funding and provides for 15 FTE for reclamation

program management and programmatic guidance to States and Tribes. An important part of OSMRE’s role

in State and Tribal AML Program operations is reviewing and approving the AML projects. In addition to

reviewing and approving the projects, OSMRE assesses and discloses potential environmental impacts of

the proposed Federal actions. All AML projects funded under the Environmental Restoration business line

are considered “Major Federal Actions” under NEPA. Hence, OSMRE personnel must evaluate every

project to determine the type of environmental assessment (Categorical Exclusion, Environmental

Assessment, or Environmental Impact Statement) required under NEPA. In some cases, these reviews

require consultations under various other Federal laws, including the NPHA, ESA, and the Clean Water

Act.

To better monitor and track the AML projects, OSMRE uses e-AMLIS, a mission-critical information

system that continues to be refined and improved every year. Additionally, OSMRE continues to support

and participate in grants management via GrantSolutions, which is an electronic grants announcement and

application system. To improve OSMRE’s monitoring of grants from cradle to grave, the agency

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Environmental Restoration

transitioned to the GrantSolutions financial assistance management software program in 2021. OSMRE

also uses the DOI Financial and Business Management System (FBMS) financial assistance module for

internal processing of all grant and cooperative agreement obligations, de-obligations, and closeout

transactions. FBMS is DOI/OSMRE’s system of record that contains comprehensive information on AML

grant allocations and expenditures. OSMRE also assists States and Tribes with development,

administration, implementation, and maintenance of their approved AML Programs. Changes to State AML

Programs must be reflected in reclamation plan amendments submitted to OSMRE for approval.

In addition, OSMRE has an ongoing process of reviewing existing policies in the Environmental

Restoration business line. Whenever necessary, policies are revised to meet the existing need of the

programs and to keep abreast of changes to the law. OSMRE assists States and Tribes to build on their

reclamation successes by providing ongoing technical assistance on reclamation practices and by

continually enhancing the primacy grants process.

5. AML Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program

This program administers grants to six Appalachian States and three Tribal AML programs to return legacy

coal mining sites to productive use and foster economic and community development. Between FY 2016

and FY 2023, the program provided $912.5 million to communities for the dual purpose of spurring

economic and community development and achieving reclamation of legacy abandoned mine land

problems and polluted waters. OSMRE continues to manage and monitor the progress of grants issued

under the AMLER Program that was authorized and funded in prior-year Appropriations Acts.

The FY 2025 budget request includes $135.0 million for the AMLER grants program, with 1.25 percent of

appropriation set aside for OSMRE administration (0.75 percent) and oversight by the DOI Office of

Inspector General (0.5 percent). This set-aside would allow OSMRE to better support States and Tribes

develop projects and expedite the Federal project approval process. More information on the AMLER

program can be found on our webpage: (https://www.osmre.gov/programs/reclaiming-abandoned-minelands/amler).

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Environmental Restoration

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities

In FYs 2024 and 2025, the ongoing and planned activities in the Environmental Restoration program

activity include:

 Administering the State and Tribal Evaluation Programs.

 Administering the WCAP and providing grants to eligible recipients.

 Administering the Federal Reclamation Program.

 Responding to Federal AML emergencies in non-program States and Tribes within the

allotted time mandated by the program.

 Providing AML Fee-based grants to States and Tribes.

 Administering the AMLER Program.

 Continuing implementing the PTPP program.

 Conducting government-to-government consultations and maintaining responsibility for the

reclamation of abandoned mine sites on Tribal lands in Oklahoma.

 Continuing review of State and Tribal reclamation plans and completion of informal

engagement meetings.

 Continuing agency-wide tracking of authorizations to proceed (ATPs), which are the formal

notification of OSMRE’s approval for the expenditure of grant funds to begin construction

on a specific project.

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Environmental Restoration

FY 2023 Major Accomplishments

In FY 2023, the major accomplishments in the Environmental Restoration program activity included:

 Managing the $126.5 million in mandatory AML Fee-based Reclamation grants provided to

the 24 coal-producing States and two Tribes with approved AML Programs.

 Making available $135.0 million in AMLER Program funds to the eligible six States and

three Tribes.

 Improving land and water health by reclaiming or mitigating the equivalent of 1,968 acres

of land from the effects of natural resource degradation from past mining, resulting in an

estimated 518,000 people with reduced exposure potential to safety risks from abandoned

mine lands.

 Improving underground discharges of mine water and eliminating uncontrolled discharges

by employing horizontal boring techniques.

 Managing AML Emergency projects through the Federal Reclamation Program.

 Updating the information recorded in e-AMLIS to portray funding needs more accurately

for unreclaimed AML features.

 Completing work to implement OIG recommendations to improve oversight and other

aspects of the AML Program.

 Updating and publishing the AML-1 Directive that provides information and procedures on

the use of e-AMLIS.

 Completing review of 14 State reclamation plans, and conducting 8 informal engagement

meetings with IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, OH, VA and WV.

 Beginning agency-wide tracking of ATPs. OSMRE issued 370 ATPs in FY 2023 (based on

the ATPTracking System preliminary data for the period Oct. 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023).

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Technology Development and Transfer

ABANDONED MINE

RECLAMATION FUND

Technology Development and Transfer

88
Technology Development and Transfer

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Technology Development and Transfer Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

2025 Change from

2024 2025 Fixed 2025 Internal Program 2025 2024

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/ Annualized Costs Transfers Changes President’s Annualized

Technology Development and Transfer 2023 Actual CR (+/-) (+/-) (+/-) Budget CR

Technical Assistance 2,199 2,199 +46 - +94 2,339 140

FTE 10 10 - 10 -

Training 889 889 +32 - +66 987 98

FTE 4 7 - 7 -

Technology Transfer 1,178 1,178 +4 - +9 1,191 13

FTE 1 1 - 1 -

Total 4,266 4,266 +82 - +169 4,517 251

FTE 15 18 - - - 18 -

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Tech Transfer

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/Technology Development and Transfer

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +169 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +169 +0

Justification of FY 2025 Program Changes

The FY 2025 budget request for the AMR Technology Development and Transfer Activity is $4.5 million

with 18 FTEs, a program change of +$169,000 and 0 FTE from the FY 2024 Continuing Resolution.

Baseline Capacity (+$169,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to

help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments

include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to

continue to fulfill the OSMRE mission. The budget includes $169,000 in the Environmental Restoration

Activity which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover the fixed costs associated with mission

operations in FY 2024. This request in combination with the FY 2025 fixed costs amounts will allow the

program to meet must pay requirements without impacting program activities.

OVERVIEW

Program Activities: The AMR Technology Development and Transfer Activity supports technical skills

that States and Tribes need to operate their AML reclamation programs. The FY 2025 budget request

provides resources for OSMRE’s reclamation-focused technical assistance, training, and technology

development and transfer programs.

OSMRE promotes Technology Development and Transfer (TDT) activities to meet safety and

environmental restoration goals for AML restoration. OSMRE utilizes many of the programs listed in the

Regulatory TDT activities section of the Greenbook for AML restoration; hence, this section references the

Regulation and Technology Account’s TDT section where appropriate.

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Technology Development and Transfer

The TDT business line provides Federal resources to support technical assistance, training, technology

development, and technology transfer activities for Federal, State, and Tribal regulatory and reclamation

staffs. These program activities invest in and improve the technical skills necessary for States and Tribes to

operate their reclamation programs and meet SMCRA requirements. TDT funding also helps OSMRE

implement effective partnerships with stakeholders to meet OSMRE’s restoration and protection goals.

In FY 2024 and FY 2025, OSMRE will continue to promote programs like the Technical Innovation and

Professional Services (TIPS), providing training and technical assistance for States’ and Tribes’ technical

decision-making related to SMCRA. In addition, OSMRE supports the remediation of adverse mine

drainage through programs like the Mine Drainage Technology Initiative and the Applied Science Program

on abandoned mine lands.

OSMRE’s TDT programs offer interactive technical forums and related workshops for mobile computing

projects. OSMRE provides regional technical service, libraries, and more efficient access to COALEX, a

computer-assisted library search service.

OSMRE’s technology transfer is a significant part of its cooperative effort with partner States and Tribes to

mitigate environmental effects of coal mining problems. In addition, OSMRE provides multidisciplinary

technical assistance and works with industry, States, Tribes, and the public on new or unique technical

challenges or problems. OSMRE established an intergovernmental team, the National Technology Transfer

Team (NTTT), to provide ongoing direction, communication, and coordination of these efforts. New

technologies, changes in regulations, increases in staffing in States and Tribes due to BIL investments, and

staff turnover in States and Tribes necessitate continued technical training. OSMRE provides this required

training through the National Technical Training Program (NTTP).

TDT program performance is measured by how well reclamation programs meet OSMRE’s environmental

restoration and protection goals. Performance for the business line is also measured by the number of

technically trained staff (including knowledge and skills taught and applied), the utilization of automated

technologies (such as TIPS), and the quality and timeliness of technical assistance provided by OSMRE,

determined via evaluations and customer service surveys.

Actions Required to Achieve Annual Goals: In FY 2025, the NTTP and TIPS will expand user access by

improving the OSMRE website. The NTTP and TIPS will continue to work with technical leadership to

provide direction, communication, and coordination efforts related to technical issues and studies.

Resources, Skills, and Technology Capacity: OSMRE provides States, Tribes, and staff with the best

available technical data and information to support science-based decisions for reclamation project design,

and AMD remediation and prevention. The TDT programs support and enhance the technical skills that

States and Tribes need to effectively operate their reclamation programs. The total AMR FY 2025 request

for this business line is $4.5 million. The request includes $2.3 million for technical assistance (including

TIPS and Application Violator System (AVS) support), $1.0 million for technical training, and $1.2 million

for technology transfer efforts to meet the annual goals set forth above.

The following section details, by program activity, the funding and FTE resources required to meet

performance goals. It also includes examples of the types of technical training, assistance efforts, and

technology transfer provided by this business line.

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Technology Development and Transfer

PROGRAM DETAILS AND FY 2025 REQUEST

The following program activities support OSMRE’s goal to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and

capabilities of the States, Tribes, and OSMRE staff to implement SMCRA effectively. This goal, achieved

through quality technical and scientific information, expertise, and training, is critical for the reclamation

program’s success. OSMRE also provides opportunities for students and recent graduates, either directly or

through cooperative agreements, to engage in technical and natural resources activities. OSMRE’s TDT

activities include technical assistance, technical policy and-site specific assistance, technical training,

technical systems resources, and technology transfer (see Regulatory TDT section for more details).

OSMRE’s stakeholders(States, Tribes, the public, and industry) continue to expresssupport for TDT efforts

and encourage OSMRE to provide the types of technicalsupport needed to comply with SMCRAeffectively

and efficiently, NEPA, and other environmental and safety laws. Helping the States, Tribes, and industry

achieve up-front compliance reduces the need for additional regulatory resources. Many activities planned

or ongoing for FY 2024 will help identify FY 2025 activity.

1. Technical Assistance

OSMRE provides technical assistance to State and Tribal reclamation staff, and to OSMRE staff, that

review and oversee State programs, develop rules or policy, litigate SMCRA challenges or enforcement

actions, or maintain other technical support infrastructure such as TIPS, and technical training programs.4

The AMR request of $2.3 million for FY 2025 includes 10 FTE to carry out these activities.

OSMRE uses customer surveys to record OSMRE’s technical assistance responsiveness to its customers.

By meeting technical assistance needs, OSMRE can better achieve its Environmental Restoration mission

goals.

OSMRE delivers technical assistance and site-specific technology support to assist States and Tribes with

science and engineering expertise in restoring AML sites. As part of technical assistance, OSMRE

specialists work on site-specific technical aspects of reclamation cost estimates, calculation surveying,

revegetation, geologic sampling, AML designs, subsidence and AMD abatement. The areas of assistance

are wide-ranging and include:

 Guideline development,

 State program amendments,

 AML problem evaluation,

 Geomorphic reclamation,

 Soil substitution,

 Placement of coal combustion residue,

 Reforestation on mine lands,

 Restoration of mined land with native vegetation,

 Rare earth elements and critical minerals evaluation on AML sites,

 Participation as technical experts on interagency committees,

 AMDTreat software enhancement and training, and

4

OSMRE also utilizes appropriations to the Environmental Restoration business lines to deliver customized

technical assistance for abandoned mine land projects.

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Technology Development and Transfer

 Subsidence caused by underground mining.

The following paragraphs highlight a few of the specific areas of technical assistance offered by OSMRE.

a. AMDTreat

One of OSMRE’s primary tools used to help customers with assessing water-quality issues is the

AMDTreat software program. AMDTreat was developed cooperatively by OSMRE, the Pennsylvania

Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the West

Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. The AMDTreat software treatment modules are

continuously undergoing improvements and enhancements by OSMRE staff to keep the program relevant

with the issues that regulators and the public are concerned with regarding AMD.

AMDTreat is a computer application made available through the TIPS program. AMDTreat can help

customers with estimating costs and sizing facilities to abate water pollution, using passive or chemical

(active) treatment technologies. In addition, the software provides over 400 user modifiable variables for

excavation, construction, revegetation, piping, road construction, land acquisition, system maintenance,

labor, water sampling, design, surveying, pumping, sludge removal, chemical consumption, and other

functions.

Non-profits, watershed associations, state AML programs, environmental groups, and industry use

AMDTreat to evaluate polluted mine drainage. AMDTreat also contains several financial and scientific

tools to help select and plan treatment systems. These tools include a long-term financial forecasting

module, an acidity calculator, a sulfate reduction calculator, a Langelier saturation index calculator, a massbalance calculator, and iron oxidation tools. Most Appalachian States rely on AMDTreat to support

regulatory programs, too. For example, PADEP requires operators and permit reviewers to use AMDTreat

to calculate treatment costs to establish the value of the financial assurance required to cover water

treatment liability in case of bond forfeiture.

b. Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals Evaluations

Coal mine waste and coal mine AMD and associated metal precipitates are being evaluated nationwide as

a potential source of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals (CMs), which are essential for many

high-tech devices and the clean energy transition. By recovering REEs and CMsfrom coal waste and AMD,

OSMRE creates economic opportunities in coal communities and establishes a potential sustainable supply

chain for these materials. OSMRE assists academic, State, and Federal researchersto plan and conduct field

activities and to conduct REE- related research where it is coincident with ongoing AMD studies.

c. Reforestation

OSMRE continues its effort to encourage proper reforestation practices to transform reclaimed mined land

to healthy, productive forests. This reforestation initiative increased the use of Forestry Reclamation

Approach (FRA), held technical and policy symposia, and introduced a reforestation website to explain the

methods and benefits of reforestation. Through Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI),

OSMRE provides technical assistance to a 33-member science team made up of university researchersfrom

across the country and members of the American Bird Conservancy, the American Chestnut Foundation,

the USGS, and the U.S. Forest Service, and publishes bulletins on state-of-the-art reforestation practices.

In FY 2023, ARRI and partners organized 43 planting events, involving professional and volunteer tree

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Technology Development and Transfer

planters, with 1,644 volunteers planting over 575,000 trees across 741 acres on post-bond release mine sites

across Appalachia.

2. Technical Training

Technical training provides OSMRE, State, and Tribal staff the necessary information and skills to

implement the surface mining reclamation and enforcement program. This request includes $987,000 and

7 FTE for this program activity. See the Regulatory TDT section for details about the specific functions that

this Activity supports.

3. Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is an integral component of OSMRE’s Environmental Restoration business lines,

providing essential support to State and Tribal programs. This request includes $1.2 million and 1 FTE for

these activities. State technical representatives communicate frequently with OSMRE regional staff to share

resources whenever practicable to resolve regional technical issues. OSMRE partners with other Federal

agencies, States, Tribes, and industry to develop technology transfer priorities. The following paragraphs

highlight a few of the technology transfer programs offered by OSMRE. See the Regulatory TDT section

for more technology transfer details.

a. Geographical Information Mapping System Programs

ArcGIS Online: ArcGIS Online (AGOL) is a cloud-based interactive web-mapping platform designed to

increase productivity, collaboration, and interoperability across the Federal government. In FY 2023,

OSMRE increased its adoption of AGOL across OSMRE divisions, as well as State and Tribal affiliates.

OSMRE continues to add new active users each month. The total number of active users grew by 67 percent

from FY 2022 to FY 2023. To manage the growth, new administrative policies and procedures have been

put in place to track active accounts and encourage usage by State and Tribal account holders. OSMRE

anticipates the growth of the user base to continue in FY 2024 and 2025.

For OSMRE, ArcGIS Online provides a web mapping solution for individual users and allows OSMRE to

collaborate acrossthe government through maps, ArcGIS StoryMaps, and dashboards that tell an interactive

story and provide immersive charts or data analytics. In FY 2023, OSMRE began development of a system

for editing and displaying AMLER data using tools within AGOL, and functionality is continually being

added to support OSMRE’s mission.

Mobile GIS: OSMRE’s strategy has been to empower each region and field personnel to assist in the

enhancement of field mapping software and solutions. In FY 2023, new field tablets were purchased to

replace outdated ones. Western Region GIS Branch staff accompanies OSMRE staff on inspections to

develop a deeper understanding of field user needs and fresh ideas to improve workflows in FYs 2024 and

2025.

See the Regulatory TDT section for more details concerning other geographical information mapping

systems OSMRE supports under TDT.

b. OSMRE Youth Programs

OSMRE offers various service and learning opportunities for students, recent graduates, and the public at

large to get involved and make a difference. Program offerings include yearlong AmeriCorps terms,

Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) years of service, and semester internships. These offerings

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Technology Development and Transfer

provide different paths for people of all ages to learn about the reclamation and restoration efforts taking

place on abandoned mine lands. In FY 2023, seven AmeriCorps members served terms with OSMRE and

twenty-one VISTAservice terms took place. Ten AmeriCorps members will begin service terms in FY 2024.

AmeriCorps members, VISTAs, and semester interns often leverage their experience to move forward to

permanent jobs with OSMRE to begin their professional careers.

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Technology Development and Transfer

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities

In FYs 2024 and 2025, ongoing and planned activities in Technology Development and Transfer include:

 Providing technical assistance to States and Tribes, making use of emerging technologies for

field data collection and in-house information processing capabilities.

 Supporting and substantially contributing to finding and developing domestic sources of

critical minerals.

 Supporting State and Tribal coal reclamation programs with direct technical support. OSMRE

GIS will continue to support field data collection both internally and with States and Tribes

by upgrading data collection applications and methodologies so that data collected in the field

is better used and shared.

 Continuing to expand partnering opportunities for students and recent graduates in science,

technology, engineering, and mathematics. OSMRE staff plan to participate in virtual or faceto- face outreach events at several K-12 grade schools and educational organizations.

 Developing course materials and topics that are relevant, useful, and technically sound.

 Issuing a solicitation for Applied Science proposals that will help use science-based solutions

to address mining and reclamation issues, selecting the best proposals to achieve the highest

valued outcomes, and continuing to track projects to verify value of results.

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Technology Development and Transfer

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments

In FY 2023, the major accomplishments in TDT included:

 Completed enhancements of the AMDTreatsoftware package, including academic and industry

beta testing.

 Provided funds for research under the Applied Science Program and Mine Drainage

Technology Initiative Program to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the science of

mine land reclamation.

 Enhanced GeoMine and other web-based mapping applications in an ongoing effort to provide

the best available data for surface coal mining operations across the country, merging data from

numerous sources to create standardized, seamless layers that cross State boundaries.

 Provided training through the NTTP and TIPS program.

 Conducted numerous educational outreach events for science teachers associations, science

classes, educational fairs, Earth Day events, career days, foreign visitors, grassroots

organizations, and professional associations and societies to inform and update the public on

our programs within the AML Technology Development and Transfer program.

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Financial Management

97

ABANDONED MINE 

RECLAMATION FUND

Financial Management
Financial Management

98

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Financial Management Activity Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/

Financial Management 2023 Actual

2024

Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-) 

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-) 

2025

Program

Changes

(+/-) 

2025

President’s

Budget

Change from

2024

Annualized

CR

Fee Compliance 5,458 5,458 +126 - +264 5,848 390

FTE 27 28 - 28 -

Grants Financial Management 621 621 +23 - +47 691 70

FTE 5 5 - 5 -

Total 6,079 6,079 +149 - +311 6,539 460

FTE 32 33 - - - 33 -

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/Financial Management

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +311 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +311 +0

Justification of the FY 2025 Program Changes

The AMR Financial Management budget request includes $6.5 million and 33 FTEs, $460,000 above the 

FY 2024 Continuing Resolution. 

Baseline Capacity (+$311,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to 

help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments 

include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to 

continue to fulfill the OSMRE mission. The budget includes $311,000 in the AMR Environmental 

Restoration Activity which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover the fixed costs associated with 

mission operations in FY 2024. This request in combination with the FY 2025 fixed costs amounts will 

allow the program to meet must pay requirements without impacting program activities.

OVERVIEW

The Financial Management group is funded by both appropriations to meet its OSMRE mission goals. 

Revenue Management is funded by the Regulation and Technology Appropriation. Grants Financial 

Management is funded by both the Regulation and Technology and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund 

appropriations. Fee Compliance mission goals are funded solely with the AMR appropriation. OSMRE also 

manages the UMWA transfers to the Health Benefit Plans and the 1974 Pension Plan. 

The following section discusses Financial Management activities funded under the Abandoned Mine 

Reclamation Fund only.
Financial Management

99

Fee Compliance

• Fee compliance covers the collection, accounting, and audit of abandoned mine

reclamation fees, assistance to operators on compliance matters, and regulatory and policy

development on fee compliance issues.

Grants Financial Management

• Grants management includes accounting for and reporting on grants awarded to States and

Tribes for AML and regulatory purposes.

Transfer Service to the United Mine Workers Association (UMWA) Fund

• Administers all annual transfers under SMCRA to the UMWA Health Benefit Plans and

1974 Pension Plan, and all supporting documentation, reporting, auditing, and other

financial services.

Program Activities: With AMR funds, OSMRE’s Financial Management group delivers fee compliance 

and grants accounting management. This group also helps supports transfers to the UMWA Fund health 

benefit plans and the 1974 Pension Plan. 

Actions Required to Achieve Annual Goals: OSMRE continues to invest in technology and customer 

service to achieve compliance and improve collections processing. Recent improvements include easing 

coal company reporting burden, receiving quarterly coal production reports, providing information to 

companies, and enabling online payments.

OSMRE plans to complete a “fit gap” analysis to modernize the existing Coal Fee Collection Management 

System (CFCMS). A fit gap analysis is a detailed assessment of how a current or proposed solution aligns 

with OSMRE's business processes, operations, and overarching goals. This analysis will review how the 

current CFCMS and its components can improve functionality and will test and verify appropriate 

investment strategies to elevate service quality in FY 2025. 

Additionally, OSMRE will look for opportunities to improve coal operating reporting through the Single 

Source Coal Reporting system (SSCR). This modernization is driven by OSMRE’s fee collection extension 

authority under Section 402 of SMCRA, which now runs through September 30, 2034. OSMRE will also 

continue to support State and Tribal program operations through the Grants Accounting Management 

activity. OSMRE has over 280 active grants awards and cooperative agreements with the States and Tribes.

Resources, Skills, and Technology Capacity: OSMRE’s Financial Management group invests in and 

trains its program accountants, financial systems, and fee compliance staff to drive quality program 

activities and maintain accurate fees collections. The Financial Management group staff relies on 

contractors to handle billing, data entry, and appropriate collection functions. 
Financial Management

100

PROGRAM DETAILS AND FY 2025 REQUEST

1. Fee Compliance

Fees collected from active coal operators are used by OSMRE, States, and Tribes to mitigate the effects of 

historic mining by pursuing reclamation of AMLs. OSMRE collects fees from active coal operators based 

on tons of coal produced for sale, use, or transfer. 

The FY 2025 budget request includes $5.8 million and 28 FTE for the OSMRE Fee Compliance Program 

to ensure coal operators accurately report coal production and pay appropriate reclamation fees. The 

program goal is to maximize compliance by applying policy and collection procedures fairly and 

consistently at a reasonable cost.

In FY 2023, OSMRE’s Fee Compliance Program achieved a 99.7 percent collection rate, resulting in $93.8 

million in total collections. By working closely with the industry, the program achieved a 98.6 percent 

compliance rate for operators filing their tonnage reports. OSMRE maintained a high percentage of permits 

that filed Coal Reclamation Fee Reports electronically, at 85.7 percent in FY 2023. During FY 2023, 

OSMRE also processed 84.5 percent of the coal reclamation fee reports automatically, and 83.4 percent of 

payments automatically.

The Fee Compliance Program is comprised of two integrated components – collections and audits – that 

work hand-in-hand to maximize compliance, minimize the burden on industry, and ensure the efficient use 

of resources. Key initiatives that OSMRE will pursue in FY 2025 include: 

• Maintaining the SSCR and the CFCMS,

• Increasing the use of automation in conducting fee compliance audits to further improve 

efficiency, and 

• Conducting CFCMS and SSCR fit gap analyses for future modernization.

a. AML Fee Collection

The collection component ensures the AML fee payment requirements of SMCRA are applied consistently 

and fairly across the Country. To assist in managing AML Fee collections, OSMRE utilizes CFCMS. This 

system provides subsidiary accounts receivable and management information needed to manage the fee 

compliance program. CFCMS is integrated with AVS to trigger violations when non-compliance is 

identified. CFCMS is also used to track permits for fee reporting purposes from initial permitting to mining 

completion, and supports the related financial processes, including fee accounting, payment processing, 

billing, debt collection, and financial and management reporting. 

CFCMS tracks AML fee payments by permit number of coal-producing companies each quarter. In 

addition, the system issues quarterly OSM-1 Forms for operator coal sales reporting and fee computation. 

Reports are available online through OSMRE’s e-filing website.

On average, over 811 permits are reported on OSM-1 Forms and processed each quarter. OSMRE uses an 

online reporting (E-File)system to allow coal companies to file their quarterly OSM-1 Forms electronically. 

When companies E-file, the system calculates fees due as well as certain deductions using a formula. This 

saves companies time and money, while providing cost savings to the government by eliminating manual 

entry of paper filings. . The system significantly streamlines the reporting process, makes it easier for 

companies to report on time, reduces errors, and allows OSMRE to follow-up with companies that have not
Financial Management

101

reported. Approximately 260 companies voluntarily used the E-filing system to report on nearly 700 permits 

and more than 99.7 percent of the coal tonnage produced nationwide. Coal companies can also make 

payments online, using the Treasury Department’s Pay.gov website, which saves companies time and wire 

transfer costs.

b. AML Fee Audit

OSMRE is mandated by SMCRA to conduct audits to ensure full compliance with the law’s reclamation 

fee requirements. The AML Fee Audit program is designed to promote timely and accurate reporting of 

coal tonnage production and to ensure correct reclamation fee payments.

The audit staff consists of workers who are strategically located to be responsive to program needs while 

significantly minimizing travel and overhead costs. With a highly visible and comprehensive presence, the 

small audit staff serves as an effective deterrent to noncompliance. To support the program goal of 

maximizing compliance, OSMRE auditors expect to conduct more than 100 reclamation fee compliance 

audits in FY 2025. In addition to deterrence, audits afford an opportunity to promote up-front compliance 

by providing direct assistance to the industry on accounting and reporting matters required to meet their 

reclamation fee responsibilities. For example, when instances of non-compliance are identified during audit, 

auditors thoroughly explain the issues and the corrective actions to avoid reoccurrences. Audits are 

performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). GAGAS 

provides the framework for conducting high-quality audits with competence, objectivity, and independence. 

The continuing professional education and training of OSMRE’s auditors is conducted in accordance with 

those standards. The audit program maintains an internal control system and monitors it on an ongoing 

basis to provide reasonable assurance that the policies and quality controls are suitably designed and 

effectively applied. GAGAS requires an independent peer review of OSMRE’s audit program every three 

years and OSMRE’s audit program has consistently received a “Pass”, the highest possible rating.

In addition to conducting a comprehensive audit program, the audit staff also performs other activities to 

promote compliance. This includes identifying responsible parties for reclamation fee liability on new and 

transferred permits, providing the information and assistance operators need to comply, and taking 

appropriate enforcement action when non-compliance occurs.

The following are a few examples of the work planned for FY 2025 to promote a high level of compliance.

Modernizing Business Processes & Audit Systems: OSMRE pursues innovative improvements and 

operational efficiencies to continue to evolve with our dynamic audit environment. Harnessing an 

employee-driven continuous improvement model, OSMRE’s proprietary automated auditing package was 

developed and is maintained in-house by audit staff using off-the-shelf software, saving hundreds of 

thousands of dollars, while also allowing a unique opportunity for system improvements initiated and 

implemented in-house. Each year, enhancements to the system are required to adapt to the industry and 

current audit environment. New modules are necessary to ensure the program achieves the most efficient 

use of audit resources to maintain a high compliance level. Additionally, OSMRE’s Audit Information 

Management System was recently upgraded from an obsolete platform to piggy-back on an existing webbased system thereby reducing system development and maintenance costs. The enhanced system reduces 

duplication of effort while improving reporting capabilities. Additional system refinement is necessary to 

utilize the data in a meaningful way to continue to improve operational efficiencies. We will seek similar 

efficiencies as we move into the future, harnessing new and emerging technologies. 
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102

Applying an Integrated Compliance Strategy: The auditors will review more than 900 permit transactions 

(newly issued, transfers, and amendments) recorded by regulatory authorities to evaluate the impact that 

each permitting action may have on reclamation fee responsibilities. Ensuring the system has complete and 

accurate information is necessary in applying a risk-based approach for optimal audit selection. In FY 2023, 

the staff evaluated 821 permit transactions. By continuing these efforts, the program provides significant 

assurance that all producing permits identified in a timely manner, and operators are informed of their 

reporting and payment responsibilities. 

Promoting E-government: OSMRE’s auditors have been instrumental in the successful implementation of 

initiatives to promote e-government. Auditors work with operators by promoting electronic reporting and 

payments, discussing benefits of the systems, and demonstrating how the systems can improve the reporting 

and payment process. This effort supports the U.S. Department of Treasury initiative to expedite and 

streamline collection processes.

Coordinating work with other Agencies: OSMRE continues to implement interagency collaborative efforts 

with the Internal Revenue Services(IRS) to ensure fee compliance and coal excise tax compliance programs 

function together more efficiently. As OSMRE provides audit results and other relevant information to the 

IRS, Federal duplication is reduced while program goals are achieved. Overall, OSMRE continues its 

emphasis on improving compliance performance and customer service.

Table 8 – Coal Production and AML Fee Collections

(Production in Millions of Tons) (Dollars in Millions)

Coal Production*

2023

Actuals

2024

EIA

Projections

2024

OSMRE

Projections

2025

EIA

Projections

2025

OSMRE

Projections

Underground 198 230 236 222 236

Surface 302 322 248 295 248

Lignite 41 32 47 28 47

Fee Collections 2023

Actuals

2024 Projections 2025 Projections

AML Fees ** $94.5 $102.2 $95.8

* The OSMRE projections are based on calendar year projections from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) March 2023 Energy 

Information Administration Annual Energy Outlook, Reference Case Forecast, Table 65, Coal Production by Region and Type. 

OSMRE tonnage uses the last reported production (Fiscal Year 2023) and then increases or decreases that value based on the 

percentage increase or decrease in DOE production for each coal type. The OSMRE projections are usually lower than DOE 

estimates because AML fees are determined by the weight of the coal at the time of initial sale, transfer, or use.

** AML Fees are calculated based on the OSMRE tonnage estimates multiplied by the applicable current fee rate: $0.096, $0.224, 

and $0.064 for underground, surface, and lignite, respectively. The calculations are adjusted for moisture content, administrative 

fees, and uncollectible fee estimates. 
Financial Management

103

Summary Status of Abandon Mine Reclamation (AML) Funding

• OSMRE has maintained a table that shows the status of AML funding from 1978 through 2023. More details

on annual figures from FY 1978 to 1999 are displayed in Table 9 of the FY 2015 Budget Justification. The

table can be accessed through the following link: https://www.osmre.gov/resources/budget-and-planning

• AML Fund balances in this table are as of September 30, 2023, and do not include the last two

months of the AML fee collection cycle (i.e., October 1- November 30). The annual AML Grant

distribution tables, published separately, will show AML Fund balances that will include the

collection of AML fees, interest earned, and transactions through November 30, 2023. Payments

to the UMWA that occur during this two-month period account for the variation in the AML Fund

balances shown in Table 8 and the annual AML Grant distribution table.

• The AML Fund experiences a spike in fee collections during the final two months of the

collection cycle. Although the billing cycle for coal produced ends on September 30th each fiscal

year, OSMRE allows an extra two months for operators to make payments into the AML Fund.

This additional collection time, along with interest earnings, create the difference between the two

reports. As such, the FY 2023 AML Grant Distribution reports will vary slightly and include the

amounts collected and interest earned in the AML Fund as of November 30, 2023, rather than the

Federal fiscal year end of September 30, 2023.

• Sequestered funds are included in the annual amounts appropriated from the AML fund and not

part of the unappropriated balance. AML Funds sequestered pursuant to 2 USC 901(a) remain

unavailable for distribution and the statute requires those funds be accounted for in a separate

account.

2. Grant Financial Management

This activity accounts for and disburses reclamation and regulatory grants to States and Tribes under 

OSMRE’s Environmental Restoration and Environmental Protection business lines. This activity is funded 

by both the Regulation and Technology and the AMR appropriations. 

The Grant Financial Management activity includes the disbursement, accounting, reporting, and recovery 

of grant funds. The 2006 SMCRA Amendments (Public Law 109-432) made most AML Fund grant activity 

mandatory, and no longer part of OSMRE’s discretionary budget, beginning in FY 2008. Since that time, 

OSMRE calculates grant distributions in accordance with the SMCRA amendments.

Along with the mandatory AML distributions given to the States, OSMRE also distributes 

mandatory Treasury funds to certified States as part of the grant distribution. 
Financial Management

104

Table 10

AML Fund Unappropriated Balance

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement AML Fund Unappropriated Balance as of September 30, 

2023

Description of

Allocation

Balance as of

10/01/22

LESS: 2023

Appropriation

LESS: 2023

Treasury Funds

LESS: 2023

UMWBF Transfer 3/

Post Appr. &Trans.

Balance

Investment Int.

10/01/22-9/30/23

Collections for

10/01/22-9/30/23

Balance as of

9/30/23

Federal

Expense 1/

Historical Coal 2/

$267,900,613.01

$1,604,511,989.90

($60,542,078.00)

($59,973,443.00)

$0.00

$31,446,692.00

$0.00

$0.00

$207,358,535.01

$1,575,985,238.90

$0.00

$0.00

$18,911,338.30

$28,367,007.46

$226,269,873.31

$1,604,352,246.36

Investment

Interest

$250,853,532.75 $0.00 $0.00 ($342,091,807.00) ($91,238,274.25) $575,263,235.41 $0.00 $484,024,961.16

Subtotal -

Federal Share

$2,123,266,135.66 ($120,515,521.00) $31,446,692.00 ($342,091,807.00) $1,692,105,499.66 $575,263,235.41 $47,278,345.76 $2,314,647,080.83

Subtotal -

State Share

$88,209,697.33 ($16,097,894.00) ($31,446,692.00) $0.00 $40,665,111.33 $0.00 $47,200,074.49 $87,865,185.82

Total 4/ $2,211,475,832.99 ($136,613,415.00) $0.00 ($342,091,807.00) $1,732,770,610.99 $575,263,235.41 $94,478,420.25 $2,402,512,266.65

1/ The Federal Expense Allocation is reduced by the annual appropriation and the mandatory grant distribution.

2/ The Historical Coal balance is calculated based on the following: 1) 30% of fees collected increase the balance 2) the current year mandatory grant distribution

reduces the balance and; 3) State share funds from certified States are transferred into the Historic Coal share.

3/ $13.7M was transferred at the beginning of FY 2023 to the United Mine Workers Combined Benefit Fund for estimated expenses in FY 2023 and for adjustments

to actual expenditures for FY 2021. 

4/ Does not include appropriations provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

3. UMWA Fund Transfer Service

SMCRA requires OSMRE to make mandatory transfers to the UMWA Fund Health Benefit Plans and 1974 

Pension Plan These transfers fund unreimbursed health care expenses of retired UMWA coal miners and

their dependents and the 1974 Pension Plan. 

OSMRE reviews UMWA Fund annual transfer requests and the annual UMWA Fund financial statements 

audit reports and reconciles calculations from prior-year transfers. OSMRE estimates future interest 

earnings, and prepares budget estimates, projections, and transfer requests for funding from the Treasury. 

OSMRE also completes annual audits to test that transfers conform to the authorizing legislation and 

General Accountability Office principles. 

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Section 9722) amended SMCRA, requiring OSMRE to transfer Abandoned 

Mine Reclamation Fund interest earnings to the UMWA Fund to pay for unreimbursed health benefit 

expenses of unassigned beneficiaries.

The 2006 SMCRA Amendments allowed certain beneficiaries of the UMWA Fund 1992 and 1993 Health 

Benefit Plans to receive funding derived from any excess interest earnings from the Fund and directly from

the Treasury. 

On May 5, 2017, the Health Benefits for Miners Act of 2017 amended SMCRA to provide funding for 

additional beneficiaries of the UMWAF 1993 Health Benefit Plan.

The Bipartisan Miners Act of 2019, enacted on December 20, 2019, amended SMCRA and expanded 

Federal funds coverage for the health benefits of additional beneficiaries whose coverage would otherwise 

be denied or reduced because of bankruptcy proceedings commenced in 2018 and 2019. This Act also 

increased the annual cap from $490 million to $750 million on Treasury funds available for payments 

to certified States and Tribes and for transfers to the UMWA. It also 
Financial Management

105

expanded the use of the Treasury Funds for the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan, in addition to the three UMWA 

Health Benefit Plans listed above. 

The Bipartisan Miners Act requires that an amount equal to the difference between the $750 million cap 

and the aggregate amount transferred to the certified State and Tribes and the UMWA Health Benefit 

Plans be transferred to the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan each year until the plan is at least 100 percent 

funded. The Act applied this new transfer retroactively to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 

2016. 

During FYs 2024 and 2025, OSMRE will process the UMWA Fund transfer requests for the three UMWA 

Fund health plans, providing funding for an estimated 47,992 beneficiaries, and to the 1974 Pension Plan. 

OSMRE will work with the UMWA Fund’s external auditors to plan the testing of selected internal controls 

and utilize existing audit work where practical. 

The UMWA Fund FY 2023 actual and projected FY 2024 and FY 2025 transfer requests are detailed 

in Table 11 below. States and Tribes table at: https://www.osmre.gov/resources/budget-and-planning. 

Table 11 – UMWA Fund Transfer Requests Fiscal Year Transfer Amounts (Dollars in Millions) 

Health Benefit Plan/Pension Plan 2023 Actual 2024 Projected 2025 Projected

Combined Fund, including the 

Reachback Provision $19.7 $6.2 $24.2

1992 Plan $30.5 $40.5 $54.9

1993 Plan $298.0 $317.9 $355.8

1974 UMWA Fund Pension Plan $712.5 $718.1 $719.0

Total – All Plans $1,060.6 $1,082.7 $1,154.0

Funding Sources 2023 Actual 2024 Projected 2025 Projected

AML Fund Interest $342.1 $363.0 $428.9

Treasury Funds $718.5 $719.7 $725.1
Financial Management

106

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities

• Process transfer requests from the UMWA Fund (UMWAF) totaling a projected $364 million

in FY 2024 and $434 million in FY 2025 to provide funding for unreimbursed health care

expenses for an estimated 45,677 current and former coal miners and their dependents.

• Process a transfer of a projected $718 million in FY 2024 and $719 million in FY 2025 to the

1974 Pension Plan.

• Continue to analyze the reasonableness of the UMWAF health care plan transfers and work

closely with the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation to review supporting documents from

the UMWA Fund for the 1974 Pension Plan transfer.

• Continue to support the accounting of the AML Grants to States and Tribes.

• Continue to monitor and implement applicable updates in professional standards relevant to

the AML Fee Audit Program.

• The AML Fee Audit Program will be required to revise its policies and procedures to align with

the revised 2023 GAGAS, updated every five years. Implementation of the revised standards

is required within 2 years from the day of publication.

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments

• Processed transfer requests from the UMWAF totaling $348.2 million to provide funding for

unreimbursed health care expenses for an estimated 45,677 coal miners and their dependents.

• Processed a transfer of approximately $712.5 million to the 1974 Pension Plan.

• Maximized interest earnings on the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund
Executive Direction and Administration

107

ABANDONED MINE 

RECLAMATION FUND

Executive Direction and Administration
Executive Direction and Administration

108

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Executive Direction and Administration Activity Budget Request

(Dollars in Thousands)

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/ 

Executive Direction and Administration 2023 Actual

2024

Annualized

CR

2025 Fixed

Costs

(+/-)

2025 Internal

Transfers

(+/-)

2025

Program

Changes

(+/-)

2025

President’s

Budget

Change from

2024

Annualized

CR

Executive Direction 1,051 1,051 +32 - +151 1,234 183

FTE 7 7 - 7 -

Administrative Support 2,097 2,097 +65 - +132 2,294 197

FTE 14 14 - 14 -

General Services 3,323 3,323 +137 - +1,630 5,090 1,767

FTE - - - - -

Total 6,471 6,471 +234 - +1,913 8,618 2,147

FTE 21 21 - - - 21 -

The Executive Direction and Administration business line provides leadership, policy, program 

management guidance, and support for all of OSMRE. The OSMRE’s Executive Direction and 

Administration group is led by the Director’s Office and is supported by the Offices of Equal Opportunity, 

Human Resources, Communications, Budget, Information Resources, and Administration. 

The AMR Executive Direction and Administration budget request is $8.6 million and 21 FTEs, $2.1 million 

above the FY 2024 Continuing Resolution. 

Summary of 2025 Program Changes for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund/Executive Direction

Program Changes ($000) FTE Change

Federal Strategic Sustainability Initiative Coordinator +85 +0

IT - Data Center Migration Hosting and Cyber Security +1,630 +0

Baseline Capacity - 2024 Fixed Costs +198 +0

TOTAL Program Changes +1,913 +0

Justification of FY 2025 Program Changes

Federal Strategic Sustainability Initiative Coordinator (+$85,000/+ 0 FTE): The FY 2025 budget

supports OSMRE’s dedicated sustainability program for comprehensive sustainability policy analysis and 

development, staff coordination, data collection and analysis, and external reporting in traditional 

sustainability focus areas. This is in accordance with The Federal Strategic Sustainability Initiative.

IT Data Center Migration, Hosting and Cyber Security (+$1,630,000): In FY 2025, OSMRE will 

0continue to migrate the bureau’s applications, services, and associated workloads to the cloud. The 

overarching objective is to improve IT support for OSMRE employees and OSMRE stakeholders, which 

includes operational efficiencies the bureau will gain through cloud hosting while providing enhanced cyber 

resiliency capabilities (e.g., redundancy, data integrity, and data backups). The migration of OSMRE’s data 

center includes hardware and contractor costs to build out the new hosting environment. Additionally, and 

in response to OMB M-22-16, “Administration Cybersecurity Priorities for the FY 2024 Budget” and OMB 

M-22-09, “Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles,” OSMRE intends to
Executive Direction and Administration

109

establish cybersecurity audit logging, Security Event and Incident Management, Privilege Access 

Management, and Enhanced Endpoint Security capabilities. 

Baseline Capacity (+$198,000): The 2025 budget includes important investments in programs needed to 

help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments 

include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to 

continue to fulfill the OSMRE mission. The budget includes $198,000 in the AMR Environmental 

Restoration Activity which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover the fixed costs associated with 

mission operations in FY 2024. This request in combination with the FY 2025 fixed costs amounts will 

allow the program to meet must pay requirements without impacting program activities.

OVERVIEW

EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND ADMINISTRATION -AMR

FY 2025 AMR Budget Request: The budget request includes $8.6 million for Executive Direction and 

Administration activities. As noted in the Regulation and Technology section, the Executive Direction and 

Administration business line supports all the bureau’s programs, including AML programs. Executive 

Direction and Administration provides internal executive direction and administrative support to programs, 

regions, and field offices through the development and coordination of agency policy, budget, plans, and 

other guidance documents. Additionally, Executive Direction and Administration oversees the 

implementation of Departmental and Administration initiatives in the Bureau.

The responsibilities for Executive Direction and Administration funded through the AMR appropriation 

focus on Environmental Restoration and the two business lines providing support functions (Technology 

Development and Transfer and Financial Management). The Executive Direction and Administration 

business line support DOI’s strategic goals by providing the required leadership and administrative support 

functions for OSMRE programs. For more details concerning OSMRE’s Executive Direction and 

Administration on Equal Opportunity, Human Resources, Communications, Budget, Information 

Resources, and Administration, see the Executive Direction and Administration in the Regulation and 

Technology chapter. Details on AMR Financial Management and General Services are provided below.

Financial Management

OSMRE’s Financial Management group includes the Divisions of Compliance, Financial, and Acquisition 

Management. These divisions work together to provide guidance and develop policy for Financial 

Management services.

OSMRE’s Financial Management group provides services that support improved access and presentation 

of financial data, including timely bill pay, receipts and expenditures recording, charge card management, 

FAR travel advisories, producing financial management reports, guidance and training, administrative debt 

collection, DOI’s audited financial statements support, and financial systems maintenance.

Acquisition Management

The Acquisition Management Division, under the direction of the Head of Contracting Activity, provides 

guidance to ensure OSMRE meets its competitive sourcing goals and acquisition needs and requirements 

are met. This group also provides strategic acquisition program direction for the Bureau and performs
Executive Direction and Administration

110

routine, day-to-day operational contracting support, including data collection and external reporting, timely 

de-obligation of undelivered orders, maintenance of quality contracting files, and customer outreach and 

education.

Information Management and Technology (IMT)

The Financial Management group assists the Information Resource Office (IRO) by serving the acquisition 

and contract management side of several IT contracts that maintain OSMRE’s statutorily mandated mission. 

The contract portfolio ranges from applications overseeing coal mining regulatory and AML reclamation 

programs, to those that assist States and Tribes to meet SMCRA objectives, and those that regulate coal 

mining and reclamation activities on Federal and Tribal lands (and in those States opting not to assume 

primacy for regulating coal mining and reclamation activities within their borders). IMT budget funds are 

included in General Services ($12.3 million Regulation and Technology and $4.8 million AMR).

In FY 2023 and continuing in FY 2024, OSMRE IRO applications, services, and associated workloads 

began migrating to the cloud. This will improve IMT services to OSMRE employees, mission owners, and 

OSMRE stakeholders.

OSMRE operates under a centralized IMT program and leverages IMT shared services and services 

provided under reimbursable agreements to supplement its IMT service offerings. OSMRE IT system 

support enhancements will support the following primary mission information systems: 

• AVS,

• e-AMLIS,

• CFCMS,

• Coal Information Management System (CIMS),

• National Mine Map Repository (NMMR), and

• AMDTreat.

General Services

The General Services budget request will support OSMRE’s mission critical IT contracts. The cost 

estimates for FY 2025 reflect estimated Departmental fixed cost changes from FY 2024 levels and known 

future plans, including co-location, space reduction, anticipated contracting efficiencies, and investment in 

technologies and systems to yield additional efficiencies in the future. No personnel or operational activities 

are funded by this component. Table 12 below shows projected AMR General Services costs by category 

for FY 2024 and FY 2025. 
Executive Direction and Administration

111

Table 12 – Estimated AMR General Services Costs 

(in Whole Dollars) 

Line Item 2024

AMR

Enacted

2025

AMR

Estimate

Change from 

2024

DOI Working Capital Fund - Central Bill 687,829 826,240 +138,412

DOI Working Capital Fund - Direct Bill 398,664 360,098 -38,567

Unemployment Compensation 5,581 3,177 -2,405

Worker's Compensation 38,803 47,073 +8,270

Rent and Utilities 1,457,782 1,721,792 +264,009

Telecommunications 39,866 57,181 +17,315

Postage 3,189 4,332 +1,143

Bureau-wide Printing/Supplies 52,624 70,755 +18,131

Operational & IT Support Contracts 221,923 389,872 +167,949

Service Contracts 161,114 334,453 +173,339

Other Interagency Agreements 115,294 226,704 +111,410

GSA Work Authorizations & Administration 3,189 4,043 +854

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure 70,962 77,108 +6,146

Zero Emission (ZEV) Fleet Modernization 66,178 71,910 +5,732

IT-Data Center Migration, Hosting, & Cyber Security 0 895,262 +895,262

Total 3,323,000 5,090,000 +1,767,000
Executive Direction and Administration

112

FY 2024 Ongoing and FY 2025 Planned Program Activities

In FYs 2024 and 2025, ongoing and planned activities in the Executive Direction and Administration 

program activity include: 

• Completing a major website modernization project to consolidate and reorganize content and 

migrating it into a content managementsystem to improve the overall OSMRE user experience.

• Maintaining an up-to-date online plain language glossary of commonly used OMSRE terms.

• Continuing to utilize training as a strategy to increase cultural competencies, reduce the number 

of EEO complaints filed, and conduct civil rights reviews on federally assisted and conducted 

programs.

• Improving the availability of self-guided videos and instructions through a single application.

• Beginning conversion of the bureau’s fleet to ZEVs and working closely with intra- and interagency partners to improve ZEV charging infrastructure.

• Continuing to review opportunities to reduce OSMRE’s leased space footprint and 

expenditures.

• Continuing to identify opportunities to promote new and existing acquisition requirements.

• Continuing to improve the quality of FBMS asset record data.

• Continuing to enhance the bureau’s performance management program through enhanced 

standard operating procedures for collected and reporting performance data, and by regular 

review of and improvements to program performance measures.

• Finalizing an OSMRE Directive on the bureau’s performance management program to ensure 

consistent compliance with the Government Performance Results Act of 1993 and the 

Government Performance Results Modernization Act of 2010.

• Supporting DOI’s Financial Audit Statements for FYs 2024 and 2025.

• Continuing to improve the delivery and accessibility of financial information for risk mitigation 

and decision making.

• Identifying a complete set of consolidation targets for closure and beginning planning to fund 

migration of the respective computing environments to a Cloud computing environment or to 

a Major-Tiered Data Center.

• Continuing to provide adequate resource levels needed to maintain current telecommunications 

services while fully transitioning data and voice services from legacy telecommunications 

contracts.

• Assessing current IMT-related HR staffing and capabilities to address the goal of developing 

and maintaining a talented and knowledgeable IMT workforce. This includes assessing current
Executive Direction and Administration

113

capacity to translate the Department’s competency models into skill gaps for bureau and office 

IT employees, accelerating the time to hire new employees, and developing professional 

development plans that provide career paths for bureau IT employees.

• Assessing current capabilities in the areas of customer success management, customer 

relationship management, and IT service management to establish baseline and determine 

future funding requirements for enhancements.

• Assessing resources needed to support mandated data management activities. Continuing to 

provide administrative support across the bureau to enable mission success in the other 

OSMRE business lines.

• Continuing to identify labor-intensive administrative activities, and evaluating appropriate 

regulatory, policy, and technology solutions to yield operational efficiencies.

• Continuing to enhance OSMRE’s data integrity and reporting capabilities through enhanced 

standard operating procedures for gathering, reconciling, and reporting financial transactions 

at both the bureau and Department-wide consolidated level.

• Continuing to support the bureau’s OMB Circular A-123 - Management's Responsibility for 

Internal Control goals specifically addressing the assessment, documentation, and reporting on 

the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. 

• Continuing to support DOI’s efforts to implement the use of the Department of Treasury’s GInvoicing.

• Improving the availability of standard operating procedures.
Executive Direction and Administration

114

FY 2023 Program Accomplishments

In FY 2023, the major accomplishments in the Executive Direction and Administration program 

activities included:

• Implemented a new support agreement with the DOI Office of Wildland Fire (OWF) allowing 

qualified OSMRE personnel to support and collaborate with OWF in support of incident 

responses for DOI’s Wildland Fire Management program.

• Promulgated the OSMRE CARE (Conduct Accountability Respect Employees) program to 

ensure that harassment in the workplace is reported, addressed, and eliminated in a timely and 

appropriate manner. 

• Improved the quality of OSMRE’s Safety and Occupational Health program by enhancing the 

ability of OSMRE managers to identify and mitigate employee risk. 

• Scored green in all areas of DOI’s Financial Performance Metrics.

• Achieved 100 percent prompt pay on vendor payments.

• Completed required CPIC evaluations for all IMT programs and major investments.

• Provided educational and employment opportunities to youth in the areas of communications, 

budget, information technology, auditing, and general administration. 

• Supported DOI’s Audited Financial Statements for FY 2023.

• Successfully implemented purchase charge online review and approve process within 

CitiManager, Citibank’s global online tool. This will support the Department’s efforts to 

improve controls in charge card compliance.

• Disseminated financial guidance and management reports to support strategic initiatives.

• Supported DOI’s BIO initial conversion efforts of the upgrades for the FBMS and Data 

Warehouse.

• Supported DOI’s efforts to implement the use of the Department of Treasury’s G-Invoicing, a 

long-term solution for Federal Program Agencies (FPAs) to manage their intragovernmental 

(IGT) Buy/Sell transactions that will be implemented in FY 2025.

• Implemented quarterly contract auditing for acquisitions.
Budget Exhibits

115

BUDGET EXHIBITS
Budget Exhibits

116

Exhibit A: Section 403 Compliance

Program/Project Support of Bureau, Department, and Government-wide Costs

2025

Request

External Administrative Costs

WCF Centralized Billings $2,860,200

WCF Direct Billing/Fee for Service $1,246,900

External Administrative Costs

OSMRE funds external administrative costs, to include amounts paid to the Department to support 

Departmental or government-wide costs, in the General Services activity within the Executive Direction 

and Administration business line. 

Bureau Administrative Costs

OSMRE does not assess a charge for overhead, deductions, reserves, or holdbacks against the amounts 

requested in each of its business lines; rather, Bureau level administrative costs are identified in the 

Executive Direction and Administration business line in the budget justification. The Executive Direction 

activity provides executive direction in overall leadership and bureau-wide policy and program 

performance management guidance. The Administrative Support activity includes all the administrative 

functions necessary to support program activities including Administration, Human Resources, 

Administrative Financial Management, and Information Technology. In addition to the DOI Working 

Capital Fund, the General Services activity includes essential fixed costs to support OSMRE’s program 

missions such as rent, telecommunications, and service contracts. Further information on specific elements 

of each activity can be found in the Executive Direction and Administration section. 

Support functions at the regional and field offices ensure various activities are integrated so the mission is 

accomplished. Most of these costs are comprised of the salary and benefits for field office directors, regional 

directors, and their administrative staff. These costs are not identified under Executive Direction and 

Administration, but rather included in the program funding requested in the respective business lines. 

Activity Based Costing allows OSMRE to internally track the indirect costs associated with its various 

organizational units and program activities. This is important in determining the full cost of program 

activities for evaluation purposes. By having employees report and track costs at the lowest work 

breakdown structure level, managers can assess both the direct and indirect costs of programs and activities.
Budget Exhibits

117

Exhibit B: Employee Count by Grade (PER-4)

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 

Employee Count by Grade 

(Total Employment)

FY 2023

Actual

FY 2024

Estimate

FY 2025

Estimate

Executive Level V .................................................. 1 1 1

SES.................................................................... 5 6 6

Subtotal.................................................... 6 7 7

GS/GM-15............................................................ 26 23 23

GS/GM-14............................................................ 55 57 57

GS/GM-13............................................................ 112 113 114

GS-12.................................................................. 143 154 154

GS-11.................................................................. 32 30 30

GS-10.................................................................. 0 0 0

GS-9.................................................................... 20 17 17

GS-8.................................................................... 4 8 8

GS-7.................................................................... 12 13 13

GS-6.................................................................... 1 4 4

GS-5.................................................................... 0 1 1

GS-4.................................................................... 0 0 0

GS-3.................................................................... 0 0 0

GS-2.................................................................... 0 0 0

Subtotal.................................................... 405 420 421

Total employment (actuals & estimate)

........................

411 427 428

Note: This table shows the number of employees funded by requested appropriations that are projected to be on-board at the end 

of each fiscal year and not FTE levels. Excludes BIL funds.
Mandatory Funding for States and Tribes

118

Mandatory Funding for States and Tribes, FY 2023-2025

(Dollars Rounded in Millions)

State/Tribe

2023 2024 2025

Mandatory

Distribution

Sequester

(-5.7%) Grants MandatoryDistribution

Sequester

(-5.7%) Grants MandatoryDistribution

Sequester

(-5.7%) Grants

Noncertified States and Tribes

Alabama 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Alaska 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Arkansas 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Colorado 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Illinois 8.3 -0.5 7.8 8.3 -0.5 7.8 9.0 -0.5 8.5

Indiana 3.6 -0.2 3.4 3.7 -0.2 3.5 4.0 -0.2 3.8

Iowa 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Kansas 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Kentucky 8.0 -0.5 7.5 7.9 -0.4 7.5 8.6 -0.5 8.1

Maryland 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Missouri 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

New Mexico 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

North Dakota 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Ohio 4.2 -0.3 3.9 4.1 -0.2 3.9 4.4 -0.3 4.1

Pennsylvania 23.2 -1.3 21.9 23.0 -1.3 21.7 24.9 -1.4 23.5

Tennessee 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Utah 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

Virginia 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8 3.0 -0.2 2.8

West Virginia 16.5 -0.9 15.6 16.5 -0.9 15.6 18.0 -1 17.0

Subtotal, Noncertified States 102.8 -6.3 96.5 102.5 -6.1 96.4 107.9 -6.5 101.4

Certified States and Tribes

Louisiana 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0

Mississippi 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0 0.1 0.1 0 0.1

Montana 2.5 -0.1 2.4 2.5 -0.1 2.4 2.7 -0.2 2.5

Texas 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.5 0 0.5 0.4 0 0.4

Wyoming 27.5 -1.6 25.9 27.0 -1.5 25.5 28.8 -1.6 27.2

Crow Tribe 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.2 0 0.2 0.2 0 0.2

Hopi Tribe 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0

Navajo Nation 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.6 0 0.6 0.6 0 0.6

Subtotal, Noncertified States 31.3 -1.7 29.6 30.9 -1.6 29.3 32.8 -1.8 31.0

Total, All States and Tribes 134.1 -8.0 126.1 133.4 -7.7 125.7 140.7 -8.3 132.4

Source of Mandatory Funding:

AML Fund 102.8 -6.3 96.5 102.5 -6.1 96.4 107.9 -6.5 101.4

Treasury 31.3 -1.7 29.6 30.9 -1.6 29.3 32.8 -1.8 31

Note: Noncertified States are those that have remaining coal AML problems to address. Certified States and Tribes have certified that there are no remaining coal AML

problems. Amounts of less than $50 thousand round to zero. Totals may not add due to rounding. 
Organizational Chart

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Organizational Chart

Office of the Director 

Deputy Director 

Office for Equal 

Opportunity Information Resources 

Office of 

Communications 

Office of 

Administration 

Office of Planning 

Analysis and Budget 

Office of Human 

Resources 

Program Support 

Directorate 

Division of Regulatory 

Support 

Division of 

Reclamation Support 

Division of Technical 

Training 

Division of Financial 

Assistance 

Appalachian Office 

Regional Director 

(Regions 1 & 2) 

T echnical Support 

Division 

Program Assistance 

Division 

Pittsburgh Field Office 

Charleston Field Office 

Lexington Field 

Office

Mid-Continent Office 

Regional Director 

(Regions 3, 4 & 6) 

Alton Field Office 

Birmingham Field 

Office 

Tulsa Field Office 

Technical Support 

Division 

Program Services & 

Grants Division 

Western Office 

Regional Director 

(Regions 5, 7-11) 

Program Support 

Division 

Denver Field Division 

Technology 

Management Division 

Program Services & 

Grants Division 

Finance and 

Acquisition 

Directorate 

Division of Financial 

Management 

Division of Acquisition 

Management 

Division of Compliance 

Management 

119
Abandoned Mine Land Program States and Tribes

120

Abandoned Mine Land Program States and Tribes

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 

Abandoned Mine Land Program States and Tribes 

Uncertified State or Tribe 

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, 

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa. Kansas, Kentucky, 

Maryland, Missour, New Mexico. 

North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, 

Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, 

Virginia, West Virginia 

Crow Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Louisiana, 

Mississippi, Montana, Navajo Nation, 

Texas, Wyoming, 

California, Cherokee Narion, Choctaw Nation, 

Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, 

Muskogee (Creek), North Carolina, Oregon, 

Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington 

Non-AML State 
Regulatory Programs and Office Locations

121

Regulatory Programs and Office Locations
FY 2025 Annual Spend Plan

122

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL)

FY 2025 Annual Spend Plan

Introduction

President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) (Pub. L. No. 117-58) on November 15, 2021, 

providing a once-in-a-generation investment in the Nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. This 

landmark investment is rebuilding America’s critical infrastructure, tackling the climate crisis, advancing

environmental justice, and creating good-paying jobs. By addressing long-overdue infrastructure needs and 

strengthening our resilience to the changing climate, this investment in our communities across the country is

growing the economy sustainably and equitably so everyone benefits for decades to come. On December 29, 2022, 

Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which included the Safeguarding Treatment for the 

Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines Act (commonly referred to as the STREAM Act), amending

section 40701 of the BIL. The STREAM Act authorizes eligible States and Tribes to deposit up to 30% of their

annual BIL abandoned mine land (AML) grant amount in a long-term abandoned mine land reclamation fund 

established under State or Tribal law, to be expended on the abatement and treatment of acid mine drainage, 

subsidence, or coal mine fires. 

The BIL provided $11.293 billion for deposit into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to fund the activities 

described in the BIL and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), as amended. OSMRE 

is allocating and distributing grant funding on an equal annual basis over a 15-year period to eligible States and 

Tribes as described in the BIL. Using funds provided by the BIL, State and Tribal AML programs can address coal 

AML problems, including: 

• Hazards resulting from legacy coal mining that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment

within their jurisdictions (including, but not limited to, dangerous highwalls, waste piles, subsidence, open

portals, features that may be routes for the release of harmful gases, acid mine drainage, etc.);

• Water supply restoration (infrastructure);

• Coal AML emergencies; and

• The abatement and treatment of acid mine drainage, subsidence, and coal mine fires funded by depositing

up to 30% of annual BIL AML grant funds in a State or Tribal long-term abandoned mine land reclamation

fund.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) ensures State and Tribal reclamation 

programs are consistent with the BIL. In July 2022, OSMRE published the BIL AML Guidance document,

providing information on interpretation, project eligibility, and priorities for the use of BIL AML grant funds. It 

also identified how BIL AML grant funding differs from the traditional fee-based AML grant distributions 

authorized by SMCRA. On June 1, 2023, OSMRE published an update to the BIL AML Guidance document, which 

included the STREAM Act provisions, references to newly approved Build America, Buy America Act waivers for 

the Department of the Interior (DOI), and other minor changes that clarified various aspects of the BIL program.
FY 2025 Annual Spend Plan

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Based on lessons learned from early implementation of the program, OSMRE will consider the need for rulemaking 

to establish requirements and obligations related to application procedures, allowable uses of funds, and reporting 

program activities and outcomes. 

BIL AML Program Summary

Of the $11.293 billion appropriated and deposited into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, OSMRE will 

distribute approximately $10.873 billion in AML grants to eligible States and Tribes on an equal annual basis—

approximately $725 million a year—over a 15-year period, beginning in FY 2022. Funding is available for 

obligation until expended. The enacted amounts are shown in the following table:

OSMRE Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL) Funding by Year of Availability 

(Dollars in 000s)

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation FY 20221

AML Grants to States and Tribes 10,872,745

Financial and Technical Assistance for AML Inventory 25,000

Federal Expenses and Administration 338,790

Transfer to the DOI Office of the Inspector General 56,465

Total AML BIL Funding 11,293,000

1All BIL AML funding was appropriated in FY 2022 and will be made available to States and Tribes on an annual basis and in equal 

amounts over 15 Fiscal Years. 

Distribution amounts will be made available as shown in the following table:

BIL AML Grants to States and Tribes

As directed by the BIL, the distribution amounts to each eligible State and Tribe were based on the number of tons 

of coal produced in each State or from the applicable Indian lands before August 3, 1977. OSMRE relied on the 

($ in 000s) FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2026 - 

FY 2036 Total

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund

AML Grants 724,850 724,850 724,850 724,850 724,850 7,248,495 10,872,745

Financial/Technical Assistance - 1,800 8,000 1,667 1,667 11,866 25,000

Administration 22,586 22,586 22,586 22,586 22,586 225,860 338,790

Transfer to OIG 56,465 - - - - - 56,465

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, Total 803,901 749,236 755,436 749,103 749,103 7,486,221 11,293,000

OSMRE, Total 803,901 749,236 755,436 749,103 749,103 7,486,221 11,293,000

 OSMRE Bipartisan Infrastructure Law -- Initial Obligation Plan
FY 2025 Annual Spend Plan

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March 1980 Final Environmental Impact Statement (OSM-EIS-2) to ascertain these amounts and then calculated 

each State’s or Tribe’s percentage of total historic coal production. Once calculated, that percentage was multiplied 

by $10.87 billion and divided by 15, with the exception of Alaska. The BIL provides that each eligible State or 

Tribe will get a minimum of $20 million over the life of the program, unless the State or Tribe has less than $20 

million in unfunded AML reclamation costs. Alaska had an unfunded inventory of roughly $25.8 million, so its 15-

year allocation was increased from $3.3 million (under the formula) to $20 million. The roughly $16.7 million in 

extra funds to Alaska was taken from the allocations to the other States and Tribes in proportion to their historic 

coal percentage.

Pursuant to section 40701(b)(2) of the BIL, eligible grant recipients include both certified and uncertified States 

and Tribes carrying out approved AML Programs. A certified State or Tribe is a State or Tribe that has certified to

the Secretary that all coal reclamation projects that are considered a priority under section 403(a) of SMCRA have 

been completed. An uncertified State or Tribe is a State or Tribe that has not yet made that certification.

BIL AML funding may only be spent on eligible abandoned coal mine reclamation projects. According to section 

40701(c) of the BIL, BIL AML grants may only be used on one or more of the following: 

• Priority 1 Projects – These projects protect public health and safety from extreme effects of coal

mining practices, including the restoration of adjacent land and water resources and the

environment (Section 403(a)(1) of SMCRA).

• Priority 2 Projects – These projects protect public health and safety from adverse effects of coal

mining practices, including the restoration of adjacent land and water resources and the

environment (Section 403(a)(2) of SMCRA).

• Priority 3 Projects – These projects restore land and water resources and the environment

previously degraded by adverse effects of coal mining practices (Section 403(a)(3) of SMCRA).

These projects may include the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of

acid mine drainage treatment facilities regardless of whether they are part of a qualified hydrologic

unit.

• Water Supply Restoration Projects – These projects entail the protection, repair, replacement,

construction, or enhancement of facilities relating to water supply, including water distribution

facilities and treatment plants, to replace water supplies adversely affected by coal mining practices

(Section 403(b) of SMCRA).

• AML Emergency Projects – Emergency projects that restore, reclaim, abate, control, or prevent

adverse effects of coal mining practices on eligible lands when an emergency exists constituting a

danger to the public health, safety, or general welfare and no other person or agency will act

expeditiously to restore, reclaim, abate, control, or prevent adverse effects of coal mining practices

(Section 410 of SMCRA).

In addition to the above uses, the STREAM Act authorizes eligible States and Tribes to retain annually up to 30 

percent of the total amount of a grant under section 40701 (b)(1) of the BIL in a long-term abandoned mine land 

reclamation fund established under State law. Amounts in that fund (together with all interest earned on the 

amounts) may be expended by the State or Tribe for: (1) the abatement of the causes and the treatment of acid mine 
FY 2025 Annual Spend Plan

125

drainage resulting from coal mining practices, including costs associated with acid mine drainage treatment systems; 

(2) the prevention, abatement, and control of subsidence; or (3) the prevention, abatement, and control of coal mine

fires. Placing funds into a long-term abandoned mine land reclamation fund account requires that States and Tribes

have an approved State or Tribal AML Reclamation Plan with statutory and regulatory authority to implement

amended section 40701(c) of the BIL. States and Tribes will also be allowed to submit grant amendments to deposit

up to 30 percent of their FY 2022 grants into their long-term reclamation fund.

OSMRE has awarded FY 2022 BIL AML grants to all eligible States and Tribes (22 AML Program States and the 

Navajo Nation). On June 1, 2023, OSMRE announced the second round of BIL distributions for eligible States and 

Tribes and published the FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which closes on June 30, 2024. During 

the fourth quarter of FY 2023 and through February 2024, OSMRE received 20 FY 2023 BIL AML grant 

applications. OSMRE anticipates receiving applications from the remaining eligible States and the Navajo Nation 

by June 30, 2024. OSMRE plans to announce FY 2024 BIL AML grant distribution amounts and publish the BIL

AML NOFO during the 3

rd Quarter of FY 2024. The FY 2024 BIL AML NOFO will close in September 2024. 

OSMRE anticipates announcing the FY 2025 BIL AML grant distribution amounts and publishing the BIL AML 

NOFO for eligible States and Tribes by the 3

rd quarter of FY 2025.

BIL Funding for Financial and Technical Assistance for the AML Inventory

To ensure that States and Tribes can update their respective AML inventories in the enhanced AML Inventory 

System (e-AMLIS), the BIL made $25 million of the $11.293 billion available to the Secretary of the Interior to 

provide States and Tribes with the financial and technical assistance necessary to maximize data enhancements and 

the use of e-AMLIS. On December 19, 2023, OSMRE announced the distributiion of $8 million to the States and 

Tribes for their AML inventory updates.. In 2025, the remaining amount will be allocated to support the AML 

inventory. 

States and Tribes continue to build out their staffing capacity and put additional resources in place to effectively 

implement the BIL requirements. It is likely to take several years for States and Tribes to reach full staffing capacity. 

Additionally, States have begun implementing the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) which 

will allow them to better target projects in underserved and overburdened communities. OSMRE is working with 

the Council on Environmental Quality to incorporate State feedback and data from e-AMLIS into the tool so that it 

more accurately identifies AML sites and represents disadvantaged coal communities.

BIL Funding for Federal Expenses & Administration

Of the $11.293 billion authorized by the BIL, OSMRE can use up to 3 percent (approximately $338.79 million) for

Federal salaries, expenses, and administrative costs to implement the BIL AML program. OSMRE tracks these

costs separately from program costs through unique cost accounts within OSMRE financial systems. These unique

cost accounts enable OSMRE to report and monitor various costs by categories. OSMRE has developed dashboard
FY 2025 Annual Spend Plan

126

reports to monitor BIL cost activity. OSMRE is committed to proper financial management and oversight of BIL

funds and will leverage the many reporting tools available.

In FY 2023, OSMRE advertised 86 of the 93 total new BIL positions utilizing a prioritized and tiered recruitment

approach. The remaining seven positions will be advertised in FY 2024. Twenty-seven percent of the initial

announcements were readvertised due to non-selection, declinations, or attrition. As of the end of FY 2023, 61

positions had been onboarded, with the remaining positions to be filled in FY 2024. OSMRE prioritized positions

according to the workflow associated with BIL, with the first phase including grants management specialists,

program analysts, human resources specialists, and supervisory positions. The next phase included recruiting

supervisory program specialists, AML program specialists, and senior program specialists, among other positions.

The final phase targeted cultural resources specialists/archaeologists and environmental protection specialists, as

well as AML program specialists and other positions identified as critical to the implementation and startup of BIL

activity. OSMRE continues to assess its BIL workforce needs and is in the process of identifying the 6 to 10

positions currently needed that could be most impactful in advancing the BIL goals and priorities. 

FY 2023 Activities and Accomplishments

• In December, OSMRE completed and deployed tools within e-AMLIS that will improve data integrity 

and reduce data entry errors. In addition, OSMRE began activities to secure a contractor to facilitate eAMLIS migration to the government cloud environment. 

• OSMRE trained over 250 Federal, State and Tribal AML staff during FY 2023. 

• OSMRE held an all-day in-person roundtable meeting with State representatives of the IMCC to discuss 

several BIL priority topics, including BIL guidance on grant submission information, updates to 

reclamation plans, grant application process, and e-AMLIS updates. During this meeting, OSMRE held 

meaningful discussions with State representatives on ways to improve communication and information 

sharing between OSMRE and the States and Tribes. 

• OSMRE formed an OSMRE-State-Tribal workgroup to revise the template for State and Tribes to use for 

the submittal of supporting information to accompany their BIL AML grant applications.

• OSMRE developed an Authorization to Proceed (ATP) Tracking System to track the number of ATPs 

issued across all AML program funding streams. Upon issuance of an ATP, partners have OSMRE’s 

approval to proceed with construction on a specific reclamation project.

• OSMRE held three listening sessions for OSMRE’s Program Managers and staff; State and Tribal AML 

staff; and community, labor, and environmental organizations to provide an overview of the changes in the 

FY 2023 BIL AML Guidance Document and FAQs. 

• On June 1, OSMRE announced the FY 2023 BIL Grant Distribution amounts and published the FY 2023 

NOFO, the updated BIL Guidance Document, and FAQs.

FY 2024 Planned Activities and Milestones

• Publish STREAM Act Guidance and accompanying FAQs. 

• Announce FY 2024 BIL AML grant funding distributions to eligible States and Tribes and publish the FY 

2024 BIL AML NOFO.
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• Provide instructional guidance on ways States and Tribes can use the $8 million in e-AMLIS funding as 

part of the FY 2024 NOFO.

• Distribute $8 million in e-AMLIS funding to States and Tribes for AML inventory updates and related 

activities. 

• Add an advanced NEPA course to the existing BIL training curriculum. This course will build on the 

Introduction to NEPA course already incorporated into the BIL training curriculum. 

• Complete milestones (e.g., finalize performance targets and strategic actions for FY 2025 APP&R) as 

outlined in the BIL AML Evidence Framework Project Plan.

• Throughout FY 2024, continue to engage with stakeholders on the BIL AML Program and further 

engagement with non-governmental organizations, States, and Tribes (including NAAMLP and IMCC).

• Continue bi-weekly meetings with NAAMLP and IMCC to support the implementation of the BIL AML 

program.

• As needed, continue adding FAQs to the OSMRE BIL webpage to address questions raised by the States 

and Tribes and other stakeholders.

• Complete last phase of hiring to stand up the BIL AML Program.

• Complete informal reviews and begin issuing formal 884 letters, regarding updates to AML Reclamation 

Plans, to States and Tribes on a rolling basis for AML programs. An 884 letter is a formal notice to a State 

or Tribe that their approved reclamation plan must be amended. In accordance with 30 CFR 884.15, “The 

Director shall promptly notify the state of all changes in the Act, the Secretary’s regulations or other 

circumstances which may require an amendment to the State reclamation plan.”

• Complete cloud rehosting and GIS enhancements to e-AMLIS.

• Identify existing policies and procedures that need to be updated for the BIL AML Program.

• Continue outreach to stakeholders, such as labor and environmental organizations, to receive feedback on 

implementation of the BIL AML program. 

• Continue to encourage States, NAAMLP, IMCC and stakeholders (including labor and environmental 

organizations, contractors, and others) to identify and hire those who have worked in the coal industry.

FY 2025 Planned Activities

• Announce FY 2025 BIL AML grant funding allocations to eligible States and Tribes.

• Continue to maintain and improve the architecture of the e-AMLIS system to improve public transparency.

• Continue to work collaboratively with the NAAMLP, IMCC, and State/Tribal AML programs to ensure 

successful implementation of the BIL AML program.

• Continue outreach to stakeholders, such as labor and environmental organizations, to receive feedback on 

implementation of the BIL AML program.

• Continue to build out and provide BIL Training to educate, inform, and train State and Tribal AML staff 

and OSMRE staff, and expand the training curriculum based on State, Tribal, and OSMRE staff needs.
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