August 1, 2022 - The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, P.L. 117-58 contains a provision (Section 40802) calling for a study and report on the feasibility of revegetating reclaimed mine sites. OSMRE has a great deal of information and expertise on biology, ecology, revegetation, reforestation, restoration, and reclamation that can support this effort. The states and tribes have a well-established history of successful reclamation of both Abandoned Mine Land sites and permitted sites. In addition, the states have significant experience with challenges and issues in each of its respective states.

Congress has directed OSMRE to include in the study: 

• Recommendations for how a program could be implemented through OSMRE to revegetate reclaimed mined sites.
• Identification of reclaimed mine sites that would be suitable for inclusion in such a program, including sites on land that are subject to title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1231 et seq.) and other lands.
• A description of any barriers to implementation of such a program.
• A description of the potential for job creation and workforce needs if such a program was implemented.

If you would like to share your experience with revegetation, or have suggestions on the possibility of a revegetation program, such as the potential for job creation, how revegetation of AML and legacy mine sites may or may not be beneficial, or other related topics, you can contact OSMRE with that information before August 10, 2022 at getinfo@osmre.gov.