This legislation specifically did not allow the purchasing of mitigation, as does West Virginia's law. December 12, 1995. On this date a new regulation was enacted requiring, among other things, supplemental reclamation bonds for mountaintop mining operations to insure proper reclamation. West Virginia adopts the Kentucky mitigation legislation, except it continues to allow the purchasing of mitigation. July 16, 1998.
Environmental extremists sue in West Virginia to stop mountaintop mining and accompanying fills.
August 13, 1998. September 8, 1998. Issued permits will not be affected. September 23, 1998. This study of Kentucky mountaintop removal operations is expected to be completed by December 1998.