August 30, 2026 - The Citizens Coal Council requested an extension of the public comment period, citing concerns that the DEP report and comment opportunity had not been widely publicized. The extension request can be viewed here.

Comments to the Citizens Advisory Council

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is seeking public feedback on the report, including:

• After three decades, is the current report format still appropriate?
• Could the report be streamlined to improve transparency and circulation, such as through quarterly or semiannual online updates?
• Are there opportunities to improve accessibility, organization and the use of digital tools?
• Could report information be made available periodically or in near real time online?
• Are there other ways to modernize the report?
• With online updates, should future reports focus more on summarizing data, auditing submissions and looking ahead rather than primarily reviewing the past?

The Citizens Advisory Council is particularly interested in recommendations that could make the Act 54 reporting process more meaningful, readable and useful while balancing the requirements placed on DEP.

The full report and supporting data are available on DEP’s Act 54 Report on Damage to Structures and Streams Caused by Underground Coal Mining webpage.

Submit public comments to:
Ian Irvin, CAC Executive Director
Email: iirvin@pa.gov