II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 897 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2011 Mr. Bingaman (for himself, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, and Mr. Lee) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects and acid mine remediation programs.

1.

Abandoned mine reclamation

(a)

Reclamation fee

Section 402(g)(6)(A) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1232(g)(6)(A)) is amended by inserting and section 411(h)(1) after paragraphs (1) and (5). (b)

Filling voids and sealing tunnels

Section 409(b) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1239(b)) is amended by inserting and section 411(h)(1) after section 402(g). (c)

Use of funds

Section 411(h)(1)(D)(ii) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1240a(h)(1)(D)(ii)) is amended by striking section 403 and inserting section 402(g)(6), 403, or 409.