[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 6, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40735-40746]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-19735]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 950

[SPATS No. WY-022]


Wyoming Regulatory Program

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), 
Interior.

ACTION: Final rule; approval of amendment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: OSM is approving, with additional requirements, a proposed 
amendment to the Wyoming regulatory program (hereinafter, the ``Wyoming 
program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 
(SMCRA). The proposed amendment consists of addition and revision of 
statutes and rules pertaining to shrub density stocking requirements 
and wildlife habitat. The amendment was intended to revise the Wyoming 
program to be consistent with SMCRA and the corresponding Federal 
regulations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 6, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Guy V. Padgett, Director, Casper Field Office, Telephone: (307) 261-
5824, Internet address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background on the Wyoming Program

    On November 26, 1980, the Secretary of the Interior conditionally 
approved the Wyoming program. General background information on the 
Wyoming program, including the Secretary's findings, the disposition of 
comments, and the conditions of approval of the Wyoming program can be 
found in the November 26, 1980, Federal Register (45 FR 78637). 
Subsequent actions concerning Wyoming's program and program amendments 
can be found at 30 CFR 950.12, 950.15, 950.16, and 950.20.

II. Proposed Amendment

    By letter dated November 29, 1995, Wyoming submitted a proposed 
amendment to its program (administrative record No. WY-031-1) pursuant 
to SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.). Wyoming submitted the proposed 
amendment in response to the required program amendments at 30 CFR 
950.16(q) and (bb) through (hh). The provisions of the Wyoming 
Environmental Quality Act that Wyoming proposed to revise were: Wyoming 
Statute (W.S.) 35-11-103, definitions, and W.S. 35-11-402, 
establishment of reclamation standards. The provisions of the coal 
rules and regulations of the Department of Environmental Quality, Land 
Quality Division, that Wyoming proposed to revise were: chapter I, 
section 2, definitions; chapter II, section 2, permit application 
requirements for surface coal mining operations; chapter IV, section 2, 
general environmental protection performance standards for surface coal 
mining operations; chapter X, section 4, coal exploration and 
reclamation performance standards; chapter XI, section 5, self-bonding; 
chapter XIII, section 3, notice and opportunity for public hearing on 
surface coal mining permit revisions; chapter XVII, section 1, 
definitions for designation of areas unsuitable for surface coal 
mining; and appendix A, vegetation sampling methods and reclamation 
success standards for surface coal mining operations.
    OSM announced receipt of the proposed amendment in the December 18, 
1995, Federal Register (60 FR 65048), provided an opportunity for a 
public hearing or meeting on its substantive adequacy, and invited 
public comment on its adequacy (administrative record No. WY-31-02). 
Because no one requested a public hearing or meeting, none was held.
    During its review of the amendment, OSM identified concerns 
relating to the proposed provisions of the rule at chapter I, section 
2(v), critical habitat for threatened and endangered species; the rules 
at chapter I, sections 2(ac) and (bc)(xi), and chapter IV, section 
2(d)(x)(E)(I), definitions for ``eligible land'' and ``treated 
grazingland'' and reclamation success standard for shrub density: the 
rule at chapter II, section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II), consultation by the 
Wyoming Land Quality Division on critical habitat; W.S. 35-11-402(b) 
and the rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C), and chapter IV, 
section 2(d)(x)(E)(III), approval of reclamation standards by the 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department; the rules at chapter II, section 
2(b)(vi)(B)(III) and chapter IV, sections 2(c)(xi)(F)(II) and 2(r), 
permit application requirements and performance standards for 
protection of important and crucial habitats for fish and wildlife; the 
rule at chapter X, section 4(e), disturbance of important habitat by 
exploration operations; the rule at chapter XIII, section 2(b), notice 
and opportunity for public hearing on permit revision; appendix A, 
section VIII.E. and the rule at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(I), 
programwide or permit-specific consultation and approval by the Wyoming 
Game and Fish Department; and appendix A, appendix IV, plant species of 
special concern. OSM notified Wyoming of the concerns by letter dated 
March 8, 1996 (administrative record No. WY-31-17).
    Wyoming responded by letter on April 9, 1996, to each of the issues 
(administrative record No. WY-31-18). For some of the issues, Wyoming 
submitted specific revisions that it intends to pursue in the State 
rulemaking process. This process is expected to produce a formal 
amendment that would be submitted to OSM by mid-1997. OSM acknowledges 
these revisions but, because they have not yet been promulgated, does 
not in the following findings make determinations on their 
effectiveness.

III. Director's Findings

    As discussed below, the Director, in accordance with SMCRA and 30 
CFR 732.15 and 732.17, finds, with additional requirements, that the 
proposed program amendment submitted by Wyoming on November 29, 1995, 
is no less stringent than SMCRA and no less effective than the 
corresponding Federal regulations. Accordingly, the Director approves, 
with additional requirements, the proposed amendment.

1. Substantive Revisions to Wyoming's Rules That Are Substantively 
Identical to the Corresponding Provisions of the Federal Regulations

    Wyoming proposed revisions to the following rules that are 
substantive in nature and contain language that is substantively 
identical to the requirements of the corresponding Federal regulation 
provisions (listed in parentheses).

    Chapter I, section 2(bc)(viii) (30 CFR 701.5), land use 
definition for ``fish and wildlife habitat,'' and
    Chapter XI, section 5(a) (30 CFR 800.23(g)), substitution of a 
surety bond for a self-bond.

    Because these proposed Wyoming rules are substantively identical to 
the corresponding provisions of the Federal regulations, the Director 
finds that they are no less effective than the Federal regulations. The 
Director approves these proposed rules.

[[Page 40736]]

2. W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxviii), Definition for ``Agricultural Lands''

    On January 24, 1994, OSM at 30 CFR 950.16(bb) required Wyoming to 
delete its definition for ``agricultural lands'' at W.S. 35-11-
103(e)(xxviii) or provide an interpretation of the definition that 
would make it no less stringent than SMCRA and no less effective than 
the Federal regulations (finding No. 1, 59 FR 3521). Wyoming proposed 
to delete the definition.
    This deletion satisfies the required amendment and does not make 
Wyoming's regulatory program less stringent than SMCRA and less 
effective than the Federal regulations. Therefore, the Director 
approves the proposed deletion of the definition for ``agricultural 
lands'' at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxviii) and removes the required amendment 
at 30 CFR 950.16(bb).

3. W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxix) and Rule at Chapter I, Section 2(v), 
Definition for ``Critical Habitat''

    On January 24, 1994, OSM at 30 CFR 950.16(cc) (finding No. 2, 59 FR 
3521, 3521-2) required Wyoming to delete its definition for ``critical 
habitat'' at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxix) or revise it to make the term 
applicable to animal and plant species habitats that have been 
designated by the Secretary of the Interior as critical habitats under 
section 3 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.).
    In response to the required amendment, Wyoming proposed to delete 
the definition for `'critical habitat'' at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxix) but 
to add a similar definition for this term in its rules at chapter I, 
section 2(v). In this rule, Wyoming proposed that ``critical habitat'' 
means ``those areas essential to the survival and recovery of species 
listed by the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce as threatened or 
endangered (50 CFR, parts 17 AND 226).''
    50 CFR part 226 pertains to habitat for marine mammals, fish, and 
reptiles designated as critical by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Commerce. 50 
CFR Part 17 pertains to critical habitats listed by the Secretary of 
the Interior under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 
U.S.C. 1531-1543), but it is also in 30 CFR 17.2(b), through its 
reference of subpart B, lists threatened and endangered wildlife and 
plant species completely under the jurisdiction of the Department of 
Commerce and other such species jointly under the jurisdiction of the 
Departments of the Interior and Commerce.
    There is no counterpart definition for ``critical habitat'' in 
SMCRA or the Federal regulations. However, the surface and underground 
mining permit application regulations at 30 CFR 780.16(a) and (b) and 
784.21(a) and (b) require resource information and protection and 
enhancement plans for listed or proposed endangered or threatened 
species of plants or animals or their ``critical habitats'' listed by 
the Secretary of the Interior under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Also, the performance standards at 
30 CFR 816.97(b) and 817.97(b) require that no surface or underground 
mining activity shall be conducted that is likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of endangered or threatened species listed by the 
Secretary of the Interior or that is likely to result in the 
destruction or adverse modification of designated ``critical habitats'' 
of such species in violation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended.
    Wyoming's referencing of the Secretary of Commerce's regulations at 
50 CFR Part 226 has no relevance to the Wyoming regulatory program, 
because the State has no mammals, fish, and reptiles that spend at 
least part of their lives in a marine environment. Wyoming's 
referencing of these regulations does not itself make its rule less 
effective than the Federal regulations, but OSM indicated in the 
January 24, 1994, Federal Register notice that Wyoming's protection of 
critical habitat designated by the Secretary of the Interior or 
Commerce could be interpreted to allow Wyoming to choose to protect the 
critical habitat designated by one of the departments, but not both. 
OSM reasoned that Wyoming could choose to protect critical habitat 
designated by the Department of Commerce (for which there is none in 
Wyoming) and not protect critical habitat designated by the Secretary 
of the Interior.
    In its April 9, 1996, response to OSM's issue letter, Wyoming 
stated that the Secretary of Commerce's regulations at 50 CFR part 226 
have no relevance in the State.
    On the basis of this clarification, OSM finds that Wyoming's 
proposed deletion of the definition for ``critical habitat'' at W.S. 
35-11-103(e)(xxix) and the proposed addition of a definition for this 
term in its rule at chapter I, section 2(v) are no less effective than 
the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 780.16(a) and (b), 784.21(a) and (b), 
816.97(b), and 817.97(b). Therefore, the Director approves the proposed 
deletion and addition, and removes the required amendment at 30 CFR 
950.16(cc). However, to avoid confusion by someone who reads Wyoming's 
rules but has not read this finding, OSM recommends that Wyoming in a 
future amendment delete in the rule at chapter I, section 2(v) the 
references to the Secretary of Commerce and the regulations at 50 CFR 
part 226.

4. W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxx) and Rules at Chapter I, Sections 2(ax) and 
(w), Definitions for ``Important Habitat'' and ``Crucial Habitat''

    On January 24, 1994, OSM at 30 CFR 950.16(dd) (finding No. 3, 59 FR 
3521, 3522) required Wyoming to delete its definition for ``important 
habitat or crucial habitat'' at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxx) or revise it so 
that it did not exclude ``agricultural lands,'' which were defined at 
W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxviii) as `'cropland, pastureland, hayland, or 
grazingland,'' from lands that could also have to be protected as 
``important habitats or crucial habitats.''
    In response to the required amendment, Wyoming proposed to delete 
the definition for `'important habitat or crucial habitat'' at W.S. 35-
11-103(e)(xxx) but to add separate definitions for ``important 
habitat'' and ``crucial habitat'' in the rules at chapter I, sections 
2(ax) and (W).
    Wyoming proposed that ``important habitat'' means

that habitat which, in limited availability, supports or encourages 
a maximum diversity of wildlife species or fulfills one or more 
living requirements of a wildlife species. Examples of important 
habitat include, but are not limited to, wetlands, riparian areas, 
rimrocks, areas offering special shelter or protection, reproduction 
and nursery areas, and wintering areas.

It also proposed that ``crucial habitat''means ``those areas, 
designated as such by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which 
determine a population's ability to maintain and reproduce itself at a 
certain level over the long term.''
    There is no counterpart definition for ``important habitat'' or 
``crucial habitat'' in SMCRA or the Federal regulations. However, the 
surface mining permit application regulations at 30 CFR 780.16 (a) and 
(b) require resource information and protection and enhancement plans 
for ``habitats of unusually high value for fish and wildlife'' such as 
important streams, wetlands, riparian areas, cliffs supporting raptors, 
areas offering special shelter or protection, migration routes, or 
reproduction and wintering areas. Also, the performance standards at 30 
CFR 816.97(f) require that surface mining activities shall avoid

[[Page 40737]]

disturbances to, enhance where practicable, or restore ``habitats of 
unusually high value for fish and wildlife.''
    As described in 30 CFR 780.16(a)(2)(ii), ``habitats of unusually 
high value for fish and wildlife'' include ``important streams, 
wetlands, riparian areas, cliffs supporting raptors, areas offering 
special shelter or protection, migration routes, or reproduction and 
wintering areas.'' This description coincides with Wyoming's proposed 
definition for ``important habitat'' at chapter I, proposed section 
2(ax), which states that ``important habitat'' includes ``wetlands, 
riparian areas, rimrocks, areas offering special shelter or protection, 
reproduction and nursery areas, and wintering areas.''
    Wyoming's proposed rule definitions for ``important habitat'' and 
``crucial habitat'' at chapter I, sections 2(ax) and (w) are not 
inconsistent with (1) the surface mining permit application regulations 
at 30 CFR 780.16 (a) and (b), which require resource information and 
protection and enhancement plans for ``habitats of unusually high value 
for fish and wildlife'' and (2) the performance standards at 30 CFR 
816.97(f), which require that operators of surface coal mining 
activities shall avoid disturbances to, enhance where practicable, or 
restore ``habitats of unusually high value for fish and wildlife.'' 
Therefore, the Director approves Wyoming's proposed rule definitions 
for ``important habitat'' and ``crucial habitat'' at chapter I, 
sections 2 (ax) and (w).
    Also, because Wyoming deleted its statutory definition for 
``important habitat or crucial habitat'' at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxx) and 
because its proposed rule definitions for ``important habitat'' and 
``crucial habitat'' at chapter I, sections 2 (ax) and (w) do not 
exclude ``agriculture lands,'' which was defined at W.S. 35-11-
103(e)(xxviii) but which has now been deleted (see finding No. 2), the 
Director removes the required amendment at 30 CFR 950.16(dd).

5. W.S. 35-11-402(b) and Rules at Chapter II, Section 2(b)(iv)(C), and 
Chapter IV, Sections 2(d)(x)(E) and (E)(III), Establishment of 
Reclamation Standards for Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Grazingland

    On January 24, 1994, OSM at 30 CFR 950.16(ee) (finding No. 4, 59 FR 
3521, 3522-3) required Wyoming to repeal the part of W.S. 35-11-402(b) 
that provides direction to the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council to 
use the statutory definitions for ``agricultural lands,'' ``critical 
habitat,'' and ``important habitat or crucial habitat'' at W.S. 35-11-
103(e)(xviii), (xxix), and (xxx) in establishing reclamation standards 
for fish and wildlife habitat that are required by Federal law or 
regulations to be approved by State Wildlife agencies. OSM placed this 
requirement on the Wyoming program because OSM had disapproved the 
three definitions on the basis that they were less stringent than SMCRA 
and less effective than the Federal regulations (finding Nos. 1, 2, and 
3, 59 FR 3521, 3521-2).
    As indicated in finding Nos. 1, 2, and 3, Wyoming proposed to 
delete the statutory definitions for ``agricultural lands,'' ``critical 
habitat,'' and ``important habitat or crucial habitat'' at W.S. 35-11-
103(e)(xviii), (xxix), and (xxx), and the Director approved these 
deletions. At W.S. 35-11-402(b), Wyoming proposed to delete the 
references to these statutory definitions. Wyoming's proposed deletion 
of the statutory definitions satisfies the required amendment at 30 CFR 
950.16(ee). Therefore, the Director removes the required amendment.
    W.S. 35-11-402(b).-At existing W.S. 35-11-402(b), Wyoming requires 
that, to the extent required by federal law or regulations, the Wyoming 
Game and Fish Department's approval has to be obtained for reclamation 
standards established for ``fish and wildlife habitat'' as defined at 
W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxvi). As additional requirements at W.S. 35-11-
402(b) (i) and (ii), Wyoming proposed that the Wyoming Game and Fish 
Department's approval would have to be obtained for standards 
established for `'grazingland,'' as defined at W.S. 35-11-
103(e)(xxvii), if the grazingland includes critical habitat designated 
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or if it includes crucial habitat 
designated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department prior to submittal 
of the initial permit application or any subsequent amendments to the 
permit application. An amendment to a permit application is, as set 
forth in Wyoming's existing rule at chapter I, section 2(e), a permit 
application adding new lands to a previously approved permit area, as 
allowed by W.S. 35-11-406(a)(xii).
    Although unstated, the standards addressed by the proposed 
provision are revegetation standards for which the Wyoming Land Quality 
Division would have to obtain the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's 
approval on a permit-specific basis.
    This proposed State statute does not have any direct counterpart in 
SMCRA, but it does in part have a counterpart in the Federal 
regulations. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(3)(i) requires 
for areas to be developed for fish and wildlife habitat, that success 
of vegetation, which is to be based upon tree and shrub stocking and 
vegetative ground cover parameters, be specified by the regulatory 
authority after consultation with and approval by the State agency 
responsible for the administration of the wildlife program.
    The existing provision at proposed W.S. 35-11-402(b) requires 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department approval of revegetation standards for 
land to be reclaimed to fish and wildlife habitat. This provision is 
consistent with the corresponding Federal regulation at 30 CFR 
816.116(b)(3)(i), which requires the State wildlife agency's approval 
of the revegetation standards for areas to be reclaimed for fish and 
wildlife habitat.
    The proposed provision at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(i) requires Wyoming 
Game and Fish Department approval of revegetation standards for 
grazingland including critical habitat. As discussed in finding No. 10, 
the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 780.16(a)(2)(i) requires Wyoming to 
obtain the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, not the 
State wildlife agency, on any critical habitat that could be affected 
by mining operations. Although Wyoming does not indicate in the 
proposed provision at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(i) that it must obtain U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service approval, this does not make the provision 
less effective than the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 780.16(a)(2)(i), 
because Wyoming has narrowly worded the provision in such a way as to 
only apply to Wyoming Game and Fish Department approvals. This does 
not, however, relieve Wyoming of the responsibility to require such 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval through its rule at chapter II, 
section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II). Although the Federal regulations do not 
require State wildlife agency approval for critical habitat, Wyoming's 
proposal to do so amounts to an additional requirement that odes not 
render the proposed provision at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(i) less effective 
than the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 780.16(a)(2)(i).
    The proposed provision at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii) requires Wyoming 
Game and Fish Department approval of revegetation standards for 
grazingland, as defined at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxvii), which was 
designated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as crucial habitat 
prior to submittal of the initial permit application or any subsequent 
amendments to the permit application. As set out in Wyoming's 
definitions, grazingland is a different and separate land use from fish 
and wildlife habitat. Therefore, grazingland with crucial habitat on 
it, regardless of when the crucial habitat was designated, is not

[[Page 40738]]

fish and wildlife habitat. ``Fish and wildlife habitat,'' as defined at 
W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxvi), is ``land dedicated wholly or partially to the 
protection, protection or management of species of fish or wildlife'' 
(emphasis added). ``Grazingland,'' as defined at W.S. 35-11-
103(e)(xxvii) ``includes rangelands and forestlands where the 
indigenous native vegetation is actively managed for grazing, browsing, 
occasional hay production, and occasional use by wildlife'' (emphasis 
added). In its April 9, 1996, letter response to OSM's issue letter, 
Wyoming implicitly acknowledged this difference when it stated that 
there is ``very little habitat which is dedicated wholly or partially 
to the production, protection or management of species of fish or 
wildlife'' (emphasis in the original, page 3 of Wyoming's letter, item 
No. 4.B). In its proposed provision at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii), the 
Wyoming Land Quality Division requires Wyoming Game and Fish Department 
approval of revegetation standards for certain ``grazingland.'' To the 
extent that the corresponding Federal regulation at 30 CFR 
816.116(b)(3)(i) only requires State wildlife agency approval of 
revegetation standards for ``fish and wildlife habitat,'' the proposed 
provision at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii) goes beyond the requirements of the 
Federal regulation.
    For the reasons discussed above, the Director finds that proposed 
W.S. 35-11-402(b)(i) and (ii) are no less stringent than SMCRA and no 
less effective than the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(3)(i). 
The Director approves these statutory provisions.
    Rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C), and chapter IV, sections 
2(d)(x)(E) and (E) (III).--Wyoming's revegetation plan requirements for 
surface coal mining permit applications are in its rule at chapter II, 
section 2(b)(iv)(C). Wyoming proposed to revise the rule to require 
consultation with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture on cropland and 
erosion control techniques. The Federal permitting regulation at 30 CFR 
780.18(b)(5) requires a plan for revegetation as required in 30 CFR 
816.111 through 816.116. The Director finds that consultation with the 
Wyoming Department of Agriculture would potentially result in a permit 
that affords greater environmental protection to lands developed for 
cropland. This proposed revision to the rule at chapter II, section 
2(b)(iv)(C) is not inconsistent with the intent of the Federal 
regulation at 30 CFR 780.18(b)(5).
    Some of Wyoming's revegetation performance standards are in its 
rules at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E). Wyoming proposed at section 
2(d)(x)(E) that the postmining density, composition, and distribution 
of shrubs shall be based upon site-specific evaluation of premining 
vegetation and wildlife use. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 
816.116(a)(2) requires that standards for revegetation success shall 
include criteria representative of unmined lands in the area being 
reclaimed to evaluate the appropriate vegetation parameters of ground 
cover, production, or stocking. The Director finds that this proposed 
revision to the rule at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E) is not 
inconsistent with the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 816.116(a)(2).
    Wyoming proposed to further revise the rule at chapter II, section 
2(b)(iv)(C) to (1) require, for crucial and critical habitats, 
consultation with and approval by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department 
on minimum stocking and planting arrangements of trees and shrubs, 
including species composition and vegetative ground cover and (2) 
require, for important habitats, consultation with the Wyoming Game and 
Fish Department on minimum stocking and planting arrangements of trees 
and shrubs, including species composition and vegetative ground cover. 
Wyoming proposed at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E) (III) to (1) 
require, for areas containing designated critical or crucial habitats, 
consultation with and approval by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department 
on minimum stocking and planting arrangements of shrubs, including 
species composition, and (2) require, for areas containing important 
habitats, consultation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to 
obtain recommended minimum stocking and planting arrangements of 
shrubs, including species composition, that may exceed the preceding 
programmatic standard (the standard at section 2(d)(x)(E)(I), which 
requires that, except where a lesser density is justified from 
premining conditions in accordance with appendix A, at least 20 percent 
of the eligible lands shall be restored to shrub patches supporting an 
average density of one shrub per square meter). With two exceptions, 
these proposed consultation and approval requirements and consultation-
only requirements are the same as the proposed statutory requirements 
for W.S. 35-11-402(b) that are addressed above.
    The first exception is that the rules indicate that consultation 
with and approval by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department need occur on 
crucial habitat (i.e., all crucial habitat regardless of when it is 
designated), whereas the statute indicates that the approval by the 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department need only occur on those crucial 
habitats that are designated prior to the submittal of the initial 
permit application or any subsequent permit application amendments. To 
the extent that the proposed rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C), 
and chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(III), require Wyoming Game and Fish 
Department approval of certain crucial habitats not required by the 
statute at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii), the proposed rules and statute are 
not consistent. Therfore, the Director is requiring Wyoming to (1) 
revise the rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C) and chapter IV, 
section 2(d)(x)(E)(III) to require Wyoming Game and Fish Department 
approval of revegetation standards for grazingland that was designated 
by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as crucial habitat prior to 
submittal of the initial permit application or any subsequent 
amendments to the permit application, or (2) to revise the statute at 
W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii) to remove the phrase ``prior to submittal of the 
initial permit application or any subsequent amendments to the permit 
application.''
    The second exception is that the rules do not require consultation 
and approval on all surface mined lands to be reclaimed for a ``fish 
and wildlife habitat'' land use, whereas the statute does. The rules 
require consultation and concurrence on critical habitat and crucial 
habitat, but they do not require consultation and concurrence on lands 
to be reclaimed for the fish and wildlife habitat land use. The Federal 
regulations at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(3)(i) require, for areas to be 
developed for the fish and wildlife habitat land use, consultation and 
concurrence by the State agency responsible for the administration of 
the wildlife program on minimum stocking and planting arrangements for 
tree and shrub stocking. To the extent that the rules at chapter II, 
section 2(b)(iv)(C), and chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(III), do not 
require consultation with and approval by the Wyoming Game and Fish 
Department on minimum stocking and planting arrangements for tree and 
shrub stocking on lands to be reclaimed for the fish and wildlife 
habitat land use, they are less effective than the Federal regulations 
at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(3)(i). Therefore, the Director approves the rules 
at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C) and chapter IV, section 
2(d)(x)(E)(III) but requires Wyoming to revise them to require 
consultation with and approval by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department 
of tree and shrub standards for all lands to be reclaimed for the fish 
and wildlife habitat land use.

[[Page 40739]]

    In conclusion, the Director finds, for the reasons discussed above, 
that the proposed rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C), and chapter 
IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(III), are less effective than the Federal 
regulations at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(3)(i). The Director approves the 
proposed rules but requires Wyoming to revise them.

6. W.S. 35-11-402(c), Establishment of Shrubs on Grazingland

    On January 24, 1994, OSM at 30 CFR 950.16(ff) (finding No. 5, 59 FR 
3521, 3523) required Wyoming to either delete W.S. 35-11-402(c) (which 
required reestablishment of shrubs on grazingland to a density of one 
shrub per 9 square meters, or to the premining density, whichever was 
less) or to submit documentation that the shrub density requirement was 
consistent with SMCRA and no less effective than the Federal 
regulations.
    In response to the required amendment, Wyoming proposed to delete 
the shrub density for grazingland from W.S. 35-11-402(c). This deletion 
satisfies the required amendment at 30 CFR 950.16(ff), and the Director 
is removing the required amendment. (Note, however, that Wyoming has 
now proposed shrub density standards elsewhere in its rules. For a 
discussion of the effectiveness of those rules, see finding No. 7.)
    At W.S. 35-11-402(c), Wyoming also proposed, for the reclamation of 
grazingland, that native shrubs be reestablished. It also stipulated 
that no shrub species shall be required to be more than one-half of the 
shrubs in the postmining standard.
    Section 515(b)(19) requires that surface coal mining and 
reclamation operations establish on regraded areas, and all other lands 
affected, a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the 
same seasonal variety native to the area of land affected.
    Wyoming's proposed W.S. 35-11-402(c) is no less stringent than 
section 515(b)(19) of SMCRA in that it requires the use of native 
species and, through its requirement that no shrub species shall be 
more than one-half of the shrubs in the postmining standard, promotes a 
diverse vegetative cover.
    For the above stated reasons, the Director approves proposed W.S. 
35-11-402(c).

7. Rules at Chapter I, Section 2(ac); Chapter IV, Section 2(d)(x)(E)(I) 
and (II); and Appendix A: Definition for ``Eligible Land'' and 
Reclamation Success Standards for Shrub Density

    On January 24, 1994, OSM at 30 CFR 950.16(gg) (finding No. 6, 59 FR 
3521, 3524) required Wyoming to amend the rule at chapter IV, section 
2(d)(X)(E) and appendix A to include shrub density requirements that 
are in compliance with SMCRA and the Federal regulations. In response 
to the required amendment, Wyoming proposed the following revisions to 
its rules.
    At chapter I, section 2(ac), Wyoming proposed that ``eligible 
land'' means

all land to be affected by a mining operation after the shrub 
standard set forth at chapter IV, section 2.(d)(x)(E) is approved by 
the Office of Surface Mining. Cropland, pastureland or treated 
grazingland approved by the Administrator which is to be affected by 
a mining operation after the shrub standard set forth at chapter IV, 
section 2.(d)(x)(E) is approved by the Office of Surface Mining is 
not ``eligible land''

(emphasis added).

    In its rule at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E) (I) and (II), Wyoming 
proposed that

    (I) Except where a lesser density is justified from premining 
conditions in accordance with Appendix A, at least 20 percent of the 
eligible land shall be restored to shrub patches supporting an 
average of one shrub per square meter. Patches shall be no less than 
.05 acres each and shall be arranged in a mosaic that will optimize 
habitat interspersion and edge effect. Criteria and procedures for 
establishing the standard are specified in Appendix A. This standard 
shall apply upon approval by OSM to all lands affected thereafter.
    (II) Approved shrub species and seeding techniques shall be 
applied to all remaining grazingland. Trees shall be returned to a 
density equal to the premining conditions

(emphasis added).

    Appendix A of Wyoming's rules contains vegetation sampling methods 
and reclamation success standards for surface coal mining operations. 
In the following sections of appendix A, Wyoming proposed revisions 
that restate the above-discussed rules and detail the vegetation 
analyses that must be made by operators to implement the rules: II.C.3, 
detailed qualitative and quantitative sampling procedures, suggested 
sampling procedures for shrub habitat characteristics; VII.F, 
developing a revegetation plan, restoration of shrubs, subshrubs, and 
trees; and VIII.E, testing adequacy of reclamation, summary. Also, in 
the following sections of appendix A, Wyoming proposed other 
miscellaneous related revisions: Table 1, values for use in sample 
adequacy formula; table 2 and IV.D. minimum and maximum sample sizes 
for various sampling methods; and appendix VII, glossary terms 
``dominant'' and ``primary shrub species.'' The effect of these 
proposed rules is that, with respect to lands to be reclaimed for a 
grazingland use or a fish and wildlife habitat land use, there is one 
shrub reclamation standard that applies to lands disturbed prior to the 
date of OSM's approval of the rules, and there is a different one that 
applies to lands disturbed after the date of OSM's approval of the 
rules.
    For those lands disturbed prior to the date of OSM's approval, the 
requirements of the existing rule at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E) 
applies. It sets a reclamation goal of one shrub per square meter in 
shrub patches on 10 percent of the affected land. For those lands 
disturbed after the date of OSM's approval, the requirements of the new 
definition for ``eligible land'' at chapter I, section 2(ac), the 
revised rules at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E) (I) and (II), and the 
revised appendix A for the rules apply. They require that, except where 
a lesser density is justified from premining conditions in accordance 
with appendix A, at least 20 percent of the affected land be restored 
to shrub patches supporting an average of one shrub per square meter.
    For both the pre-approval and post-approval affected lands, the 
operator must seed the areas outside the shrub patches with an approved 
seeding mixture that includes shrubs. The existing rule at chapter IV, 
section 2(d)(x)(E) specifies this when it states that ``(a)pproved 
shrub species and seeding techniques shall be applied to all remaining 
surfaces used jointly by livestock and wildlife.'' The proposed rule at 
chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(II) specifies this when it states that 
``(a)pproved shrub species and seeding techniques shall be applied to 
all remaining grazingland.''
    The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 816.116(a)(1) requires the State 
regulatory authority to select standards for success and statistically 
valid sampling techniques for measuring success and to include them in 
an approved regulatory program. The standards proposed by Wyoming and 
discussed above constitute such standards and techniques.
    30 CFR 816.116(b)(3) requires, for areas developed for fish and 
wildlife habitat, success of vegetation to be determined on the basis 
of tree and shrub stocking and vegetative ground cover. As further 
required at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(3)(i), minimum stocking and planting 
arrangements must be specified by the State regulatory authority on the 
basis of local and regional conditions and after consultation with and 
approval by the State agency responsible for the administration of the 
wildlife program. By letter dated March 28, 1996, the Wyoming Game and 
Fish Department concurred with the

[[Page 40740]]

proposed shrub density standards (administrative record No. WY-31-18).
    Because Wyoming has proposed shrub reestablishment success 
standards and statistically valid sampling techniques that should 
ensure a vegetative stand which is effective in implementing the 
grazingland and fish and wildlife habitat land uses, and because the 
State wildlife agency has concurred with the standards for the fish and 
wildlife habitat land use, the Director finds that Wyoming's proposed 
definition for ``eligible land'' at chapter I, section 2(ac), the 
revised rules at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E) (I) and (II), and the 
revised appendix A, meet the requirements of 30 CFR 816.116(a)(1) and 
816.116(b)(3). Accordingly, the Director approves the proposed rules, 
and the appendix to the rules, and removes the required amendment at 30 
CFR 950.16(gg).

8. Rule at Chapter I, Section 3(bc)(iii), Definition for 
``Grazingland''

    On July 8, 1992, OSM at 30 CFR 950.16(q) required Wyoming to revise 
its definition for ``grazingland'' in its rules at chapter I, section 
2(ba)(iii) to clarify that Wyoming's rule requires that land managed 
for grazing must also receive consideration for wildlife use (finding 
No. 2, 57 FR 30121, 30123-5). Wyoming proposed to satisfy this required 
amendment by adding the phrase ``and occasional use by wildlife'' to 
its land use definition for ``grazingland'' at chapter I, recodified 
section 2(bc)(iii). With the addition of this phrase, this rule 
definition is substantively identical to the statue definition for 
grazingland at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxvii), which OSM approved in the 
above-cited 1992 Federal Register notice. The Director finds that 
Wyoming's proposed ``grazingland'' definition at chapter I, recodified 
section 2(bc)(iii), is no less effective than the corresponding Federal 
land use definition of ``grazingland'' at 30 CFR 701.5. Therefore, the 
Director approves the proposed definition and removes the required 
amendment at 30 CFR 950.16(q).

9. Rule at Chapter I, Section 2(bc)(xi), Definition for ``Treated 
Grazingland''

    In its process of adopting the shrub reestablishment standards 
included in this amendment, Wyoming realized that there might be an 
incentive for operators to mechanically or chemically treat areas to be 
permitted in the future. If allowed to do so, the operators could 
reduce premining shrub densities so that fewer shrubs would have to be 
established on reclaimed lands. At the same time, Wyoming recognized 
that removal of shrubs from rangeland is a common management tool. With 
these things in mind, Wyoming created the term ``treated grazingland'' 
as a compromise between these two concerns (administrative record No. 
WY-31-18).
    At chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), Wyoming proposed that ``treated 
grazingland'' means

grazingland which has been altered to reduce or eliminate shrubs 
provided such treatment was applied at least five years prior to 
submission of the state program permit application. However, 
grazingland altered more than five years prior to submission of the 
state program permit application on which full shrubs have 
reestablished to a density of at least one per nine square meters 
does not qualify as treated grazingland.

    In effect, the proposed definition for ``treated grazingland'' 
creates three classes of grazingland: (1) Grazingland that is affected 
after the date of OSM's approval and that was treated less than 5 years 
prior to the submission of the permit application; (2) grazingland that 
is affected after the date of OSM's approval and that was treated 5 or 
more years prior to the submission of the permit application where the 
premining shrub density is equal to or greater than one shrub per 9 
square meters; (3) grazingland that is affected after the date of OSM's 
approval and that was treated 5 or more years prior to the submission 
of the permit application where the premining shrub density is less 
than one shrub per 9 square meters.
    In order to determine the shrub reestablishment standard that 
applies to each of these three classes of grazingland, one must apply 
the proposed definition for ``treated grazingland'' in conjunction with 
the proposed definition for ``eligible land'' at chapter I, section 
2(ac); the proposed rule at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E); and 
appendix A to the rules at section VIII.E. A discussion of the shrub 
reestablishment standards for each of these classes of grazingland 
follows.
    For the reasons discussed, the Director, approves the proposed 
definition for ``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), 
because the shrub standards set by Wyoming for treated grazingland 
strikes a reasonable balance between agricultural interests and 
wildlife habitat needs that is not inconsistent with the intent of 
SMCRA and the Federal regulations. However, the Director is requiring 
Wyoming to clarify the revegetation standard for grazingland that is 
affected after the date of OSM's approval and that was treated less 
than 5 years prior to the submission of the permit application.
    Grazingland that is affected after the date of OSM's approval and 
that was treated less than 5 years prior to the submission of the 
permit application. As set forth in the proposed definition for 
``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), grazingland 
that is disturbed after the date of OSM's approval of these rules and 
that was treated less than 5 years prior to the submission of the 
permit application is not ``treated grazingland.'' Because it is not 
``treated grazingland,'' it is ``grazingland.'' As set forth in the 
definition for ``eligible land'' at chapter I, section 2(ac), this 
grazingland is eligible land that is subject to the shrub standard set 
forth at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E), which at subsection (I) states 
that ``[e]xcept where a lesser density is justified from premining 
conditions in accordance with appendix A, at least 20 percent of the 
eligible land shall be restored to shrub patches supporting an average 
of one shrub per square meter'' (emphasis added).
    Given Wyoming's rationale that it wanted to take away any incentive 
for an operator permining shrub densities so that fewer shrubs would 
have to be established on reclaimed grazinglands, it is not likely that 
Wyoming intended that the postmining shrub reestablishment standard 
could be a lesser density that was based on the premining, treated 
condition. Even so, the language of the rules could be interpreted to 
allow this. Alternatively, it's possible that Wyoming intended that any 
operator treating grazingland less than 5 years prior to the submission 
of the permit application would than automatically have to reclaim to 
the maximum standard of at least one shrub per square meter on 20 
percent of the eligible land.
    There is no direct counterpart definition for `'treated 
grazingland'' in the Federal regulations. However, 30 CFR 816.116(b)(1) 
requires that standards for success shall be applied in accordance with 
the approved postmining land use and, at a minimum, for areas developed 
for use as grazingland, the ground cover and production of living 
plants on the revegetated area shall be at least equal to that of a 
reference area of ``such other success standards approved by the 
regulatory authority.''
    Because Wyoming's rules are unclear as to the shrub reestablishment 
standard for grazingland that is affected after the date of OSM's 
approval and that was treated less than 5 years prior to the submission 
of the permit application, the Director finds that Wyoming's proposed 
definition for ``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, section

[[Page 40741]]

2(bc)(xi), as applied in conjunction with the proposed definition for 
``eligible land'' at chapter I, section 2(ac), the proposed rule at 
chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(I), and appendix A to the rules at 
section VIII.E, does not clearly satisfy for this class of grazingland 
the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(1) that requires the 
regulatory authority to set standards of revegetation success for areas 
developed for grazingland. Therefore, the Director is requiring Wyoming 
to revise the definition for ``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, 
section 2(bc)(xi), to otherwise revise its rules, or to provide OSM 
with a policy statement, clarifying the shrub standard for grazingland 
that is affected after the date of OSM's approval and that was treated 
less than 5 years prior to the submission of the permit application.
    Grazingland that is affected after the date of OSM's approval and 
that was treated 5 or more years prior to the submission of the permit 
application where the premining shrub density is equal to or greater 
than one shrub per 9 square meters.--As set forth in the proposed 
definition for ``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), 
grazingland that is disturbed after the date of OSM's approval of these 
rules, was treated more than 5 years prior to the submission of the 
permit application, and supports a premining shrub density equal to or 
greater than one shrub per 9 square meters is not ``treated 
grazingland.'' Because it is not ``treated grazingland,'' it is 
``grazingland.'' As set forth in the definition for ``eligible land'' 
at chapter I, section 2(ac), this grazingland is eligible land that is 
subject to the shrub standard set forth at chapter IV, section 
2.(d)(x)(E), which at subsection (I) states that ``[e]xcept where a 
lesser density is justified from premining conditions in accordance 
with appendix A, at least 20 percent of the eligible land shall be 
restored to shrub patches supporting an average of one shrub per square 
meter.'' Thus, the postmining shrub standard for this class of 
grazingland is no more than one shrub per square meter on 20 percent of 
the land, and possibly less depending upon the premining shrub density.
    The Director finds that Wyoming's proposed definition for ``treated 
grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), as applied in 
conjunction with the proposed definition for ``eligible land'' at 
chapter I, section 2(ac), the proposed rule at chapter IV, section 
2(d)(x)(E)(I), and appendix A to the rules at section VIII.E, 
satisfies, for this class of grazingland, the Federal regulation at 30 
CFR 816.116(b)(1) that requires the regulatory authority to set 
standards of revegetation success for areas developed for grazingland.
    Grazingland that is affected after the date of OSM's approval and 
that was treated 5 or more years prior to the submission of the permit 
application where the premining shrub density is less than one shrub 
per 9 square meters (treated grazingland).--As set forth in the 
proposed definition for ``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, section 
2(bc)(xi), grazingland that is disturbed after the date of OSM's 
approval of these rules, was treated more than 5 years prior to the 
submission of the permit application, and supports a premining shrub 
density of less than one shrub per 9 square meters in ``treated 
grazingland.'' Because it is ``treated grazingland,'' it is not 
``eligible land'' as defined at chapter I, section 2(ac) and is not 
subject to the shrub standard set forth at chapter IV, section 
2(d)(x)(E). For this treated grazingland, the operator is required to 
reclaim the land in accordance with chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(II), 
which requires that ``(a)pproved shrub species and seeding techniques 
shall be applied to all remaining grazingland.'' Thus, no postmining 
shrub standard is set for treated grazingland, but the operator is 
required to seed for shrubs using approved species and techniques.
    The Director agrees with Wyoming that the shrub standard set by 
Wyoming for treated grazingland strikes a reasonable balance between 
agricultural interest and grazingland habitat needs that is not 
inconsistent with the intent of SMCRA and the Federal regulations. 
Therefore, the Director finds that Wyoming's proposed definition for 
``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), as applied in 
conjunction with the proposed definition for ``eligible land'' at 
chapter I, section 2(ac), and the proposed rule at chapter IV, section 
2(d)(x)(E)(II), satisfies, for this class of grazingland, the Federal 
regulation at 30 CFR 816.116(b)(1) that requires the regulatory 
authority to set standards of revegetation success for areas developed 
for grazingland.

10. Rule Chapter II, Section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II), Consultation by the 
Wyoming Land Quality Division On Critical Habitat

    In its permit application requirements rule at chapter II, section 
2(a)(vi)(G)(II), Wyoming proposed that the Wyoming Game and Fish 
Department must be contacted by the Wyoming Land Quality Division if 
the disruption of critical habitat is likely. At chapter I, section 
2(v), Wyoming proposed to define ``critical habitat'' to mean the 
habitat of those threatened and endangered species listed by the 
Secretary of the Interior or Commerce in accordance with 50 CFR 17 
parts and 226.
    Wyoming's existing performance standard rule at chapter IV, section 
2(r)(i)(E) requires an operator to promptly report to the Wyoming Land 
Quality Division any threatened or endangered species or critical 
habitat of such species, which was not reported or investigated in the 
permit application. Upon such notification, the Administrator of the 
Wyoming Land Quality Division is required to consult with the Wyoming 
Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
    The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 780.16(a) require the regulatory 
authority to consult with State and Federal agencies with 
responsibilities for fish and wildlife. 30 CFR 780.16(a)(2)(i) requires 
site-specific resource information for listed or proposed endangered or 
threatened species of plants or animals or their critical habitats 
listed by the Secretary of the Interior under the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service is responsible for listing, recovery, administration, 
and prohibitions associated with threatened and endangered species 
designated under this Act. Therefore, 30 CFR 780.16(a) and (a)(2)(i) 
require the regulatory authority to consult with the Fish and Wildlife 
Service on critical habitat for Federally-listed threatened and 
endangered species.
    Because Wyoming's proposed rule at chapter II, section 
2(a)(vi)(G)(II) does not require consultation with the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service on critical habitat, it is not consistent with its 
existing rule at chapter IV, section 2(r)(i)(E) and is less effective 
than the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 780.16(a) and (a)(2)(i). 
Therefore, the Director approves the proposed rule at chapter II, 
section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II) but requires Wyoming to revise it to require 
consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on critical 
habitat.

11. Rule at Chapter X, Section 4(e), Disturbance of Critical, Crucial, 
and Important Habitats by Exploration Operations

    In its rule at chapter X, section 4(e), Wyoming proposed to 
prohibit coal exploration operations on critical habitat and crucial 
habitat, but to allow coal exploration operations on important habitat 
after consultation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

[[Page 40742]]

    The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 815.15(a) prohibit the 
disturbance of ``habitats of unusually high value for fish [and] 
wildlife'' by coal exploration operations. As described in 30 CFR 
780.16(a)(2)(ii), these habitats include ``important streams, wetlands, 
riparian areas, cliffs supporting raptors, areas offering special 
shelter or protection, migration routes, or reproduction and wintering 
areas.'' This description coincides with Wyoming's proposed definition 
for ``important habitat'' at chapter I, section 2(ax), which states 
that ``important habitat'' includes ``wetlands, riparian areas, 
rimrocks, areas offering special shelter or protection, reproduction 
and nursery areas, and wintering areas.'' Therefore, Wyoming's 
``important habitat'' is a ``habitat of unusually high value'' as 
described in the Federal regulations.
    Because Wyoming's proposed rule at chapter X, section 4(e) does not 
prohibit the disturbance of ``important habitat'' by coal exploration 
operations it is less effective than the corresponding Federal 
regulation at 30 CFR 815.15(a). The Director approves the proposed rule 
but requires Wyoming to revise it to prohibit the disturbance of 
``important habitat'' by coal exploration operations.

12. Rules at Chapter XIII, Section 3(a), Notice and Opportunity for 
Public Hearing on Permit Revision

    At chapter XIII, section 3(a), Wyoming proposed that the 
applicant's newspaper notice for a significant permit revision shall 
contain the information required by W.S. 35-11-406(j), the permit 
number and date approved, and a general description of the proposed 
revision. W.S. 35-11-406(j) requires the notice to contain information 
regarding the identity of the applicant, the location of the proposed 
operation, the proposed dates of commencement and completion of the 
operation, the proposed future use of the affected land, the location 
at which information about the application may be obtained, and the 
location and final date for filing objections to the application.
    In setting forth in corresponding Federal notice requirements for 
significant permit revisions, 30 CFR 774.13(b)(2) references 30 CFR 
773.13. 30 CFR 773.13(a)(1) itemizes the information that must be 
included in an applicant's newspaper notice.
    Proposed chapter XIII, section 3(a) includes some notice 
requirements that are not included in the corresponding Federal 
regulations at 30 CFR 774.13(b)(2) and 773.13(a)(1). These include: The 
proposed dates of commencement and completion of the operation, the 
proposed future use of the affected land, the permit number and date 
approved, and a general description of the proposed revision. These 
additional requirements are not inconsistent with 30 CFR 774.13(b)(2) 
and 773.13(a)(1). Aside from these requirements, proposed chapter XIII, 
section 3(a) also includes, with two exceptions, all of the 
requirements of the counterpart Federal requirements at 30 CFR 
774.13(b)(2) and 773.13(a)(1). The exceptions are that the proposed 
State rule does not include counterparts to 30 CFR 773.13(a)(1)(v) and 
(vi) respectively concerning notice of permit request to mine within 
100 feet of the outside right-of-way of a public road or to relocate or 
close a public road, and permit request for experimental practice. 
Although proposed chapter XIII, section 3(a) does not include these 
requirements, it need not do so because they are included elsewhere in 
Wyoming's regulations at chapter XII, section 1(a)(v)(D) and chapter 
XII, section 1(a)(ii)(B). For these reasons, Wyoming's proposed 
newspaper notice requirements for permit revisions at chapter XIII, 
section 3(a) are no less effective than the corresponding notice 
requirements of the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 774.13(b)(2) and 
773.13(a)(1).
    At chapter XIII, section 3(a), Wyoming also proposed that the 
operator shall mail a copy of the application mine plan map the Wyoming 
Oil and Gas Commission.
    As previously discussed, the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 
774.13(b)(2) require for significant permit revisions that the 
regulatory authority comply with the notice requirements at 30 CFR 
773.13. The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 773.13(a)(3) require the 
regulatory authority, upon receipt of a significant revision to a 
permit under 30 CFR 774.13, to issue a written notification indicating 
the applicant's intention to mine the described tract of land, the 
application number or other identifier, the location where the copy of 
the application may be inspected, and the location where comments on 
the application may be submitted. It further requires the regulatory 
authority to send the notification to all State governmental agencies 
with an interest in the proposed operation.
    The proposed State requirement at chapter XIII, section 3(a) 
differs from the Federal requirements at 30 CFR 774.13(b)(2) and 
773.13(a)(3) in that the permit revision applicant, rather than the 
regulatory authority, is required to notify the interested State 
agency. Although this difference is substantive, it does not make the 
proposed State rule less effective than the Federal regulations, 
because the Federal requirement for notifying the interested State 
agency are met.
    In conclusion, for the aforementioned reasons, Wyoming's proposed 
rule at Chapter XIII, section 3(a) is no less effective than the 
corresponding Federal regulations at 30 CFR 774.13(b)(2), 773.13(a)(1), 
and 773.13(a)(3). Therefore, the Director approves the proposed 
revisions to the rule.

13. Rule at Chapter XVII, Section 1(a), Lands Unsuitable for Mining and 
Definition for ``Fragile Lands''

    Wyoming proposed to revise its definition for ``fragile lands'' in 
its rule at chapter XVII, section 1, which pertains to the designation 
of areas unsuitable for surface coal mining. Wyoming proposed to add 
crucial or important habitats for fish or wildlife to the list of lands 
that constitute ``fragile lands.'' It also proposed that ``critical 
habitats for endangered species,'' rather than just `'critical habitats 
for endangered species of plants,'' (emphasis added) are ``fragile 
lands.''
    The corresponding Federal definition for ``fragile lands'' at 30 
CFR 762.5 states that `'valuable habitats for fish or wildlife'' are 
examples of fragile lands. Instead of using this term, Wyoming uses the 
term ``crucial or important habitat.'' Because ``crucial habitat'' and 
``important habitat,'' as defined by Wyoming in its rules at chapter I, 
sections 2(ax) and (w) (see findings No. 4), are ``valuable habitats 
for fish or wildlife'' as used in the Federal definition, Wyoming's 
listing of these habitats in its proposed definition for ``fragile 
land'' is consistent with the Federal definition for ``fragile land.''
    The Federal definition for ``fragile lands'' at 30 CFR 762.5 
further states that ``critical habitats for endangered or threatended 
species of animals or plants'' (emphasis added) are examples of fragile 
lands. In its proposed definition for ``fragile lands,'' Wyoming does 
not use the emphasized words ``threatened'' and ``of animals or 
plants.'' However, as defined by Wyoming at chapter I, section 2(v), 
``critical habitat'' means ``those areas essential to the survival and 
recovery of species listed by the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce 
as threatended or endangered'' (emphasis added, see finding No. 3). 
Therefore, by using the term ``critical habitat'' in its proposed 
definition for ``fragile lands,'' Wyoming protects critical habitats of 
threatened species in its process for designating lands unsuitable for 
mining. Also, by using the term `'critical habitat'' in its proposed 
definition for ``fragile lands,'' Wyoming protects critical habitats of 
both plant and animal species, because

[[Page 40743]]

the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce protect both plant and 
animal threatened or endangered species.
    For these reasons, Wyoming's proposed definition for ``fragile 
lands'' at chapter XVII, section 1(a) is no less effective than the 
corresponding Federal definition for ``fragile lands'' at 30 CFR 762.5. 
Therefore, the Director approves the proposed definition.

14. Required Amendment at 30 CFR 950.16(hh)

    By letters dated February 28, 1994, and September 1, 1994, Wyoming 
submitted a description of required amendments, a timetable for 
enactment of the amendments, and a request for additional time to 
complete the rulemaking associated with the required amendments at 30 
CFR 950.16 (aa) through (gg). By final rule Federal Register notice 
dated December 23, 1994, OSM extended until November 30, 1995, the 
deadline for Wyoming to submit an amendment addressing the required 
amendments. OSM codified this deadline extension at 30 CFR 950.16(hh). 
Wyoming submitted the amendment, which is the subject of this notice, 
on November 29, 1995. Because Wyoming has submitted the amendment, the 
Director is removing the required amendment at 30 CFR 950.16(hh).

IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments

    Following are summaries of all substantive written comments on the 
proposed amendment that were received by OSM, and OSM's responses to 
them.

1. Public Comments

    National Wildlife Federation, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and 
Wyoming Outdoor Council.--By letter dated January 16, 1996 
(administrative record No. WY-31-09), the National Wildlife Federation, 
Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and Wyoming Outdoor Council jointly 
commented on W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii). In this statutory provision, the 
Wyoming Land Quality Division proposed that, to the extent required by 
federal law or regulations, it would have to obtain the approval of the 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department for reclamation standards for 
``grazingland'' as defined at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxvii), if the 
grazingland includes crucial habitat designated by the Wyoming Game and 
Fish Department ``prior to submittal of the initial permit application 
or any subsequent amendments to the permit application.''
    The commenters started that the quoted part of the provisions 
places a restriction on the protection of crucial habitat that is not 
consistent with section 515(b)(2) of SMCRA, which requires that all 
surface coal mining operations shall at a minimum ``restore the land 
affected to a condition capable of supporting the uses which it was 
capable of supporting prior to any mining, or higher or better uses * * 
*'' (emphasis added by commenters). They argue that there can be no 
restoration to the land's prior wildlife capabilities if the Wyoming 
Game and Fish Department cannot update crucial habitat areas after the 
initial permit application.
    The commenters also cited section 515(b)(24), which requires that 
mine operators `'to the extent possible using the best technology 
currently available, minimize disturbances and adverse impacts of the 
operation on fish, wildlife, and related environmental values, and 
achieve enhancement of such resources where practicable.'' The 
commenters stated that this provision cannot be carried out if the 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department cannot add to crucial habitat maps 
after the initial permit application.
    In addition, the Wyoming Outdoor Council (Council) by letter dated 
January 22, 1996 (administrative record No. WY-31-13), stated that, 
although most big game crucial ranges in Wyoming are well defined, the 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department has not, because of only having three 
nongame biologists for all of Wyoming's 98,000 square miles, identified 
crucial habitats for a broad range of species, including raptors, sage 
and sharp tail grouse, and ``state priority species.'' The Council 
stated that it is conceivable that a permit applicant's baseline 
wildlife information could reveal crucial habitats previously 
unrecognized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The Council 
stated that the proposed statutory provision makes the collection of 
wildlife baseline data trivial if these data cannot be used to make 
certain resource determinations and then base management prescriptions 
on these determination (i.e., wildlife data included in permit 
application cannot be used as a basis for designating, protecting, and 
enhancing crucial habitat).
    The Council cited 30 CFR 780.16(a), which requires that

[e]ach application shall include fish and wildlife resource 
information for the permit area and adjacent area. The scope and 
level of detail for such information * * * shall be sufficient to 
design the protection and enhancement plan required under (b) of 
this section.

    Referenced 30 CFR 780.16(b), at subsection (2), requires that

[e]ach application shall include a description of how, to the extent 
possible using the best technology currently available, the operator 
will minimize disturbances and adverse impacts on fish and wildlife. 
* * * This description shall--apply at a minimum to species and 
habitats identified under paragraph (a) of this section.

    The Council concluded that the restriction that proposed W.S. 35-
11-402(b)(ii) places on the protection and enhancement of crucial 
habitat is a violation of 30 CFR part 780.
    OSM considered these comments in its review of proposed W.S. 35-11-
402(b)(ii). For the reasons discussed in finding No. 5 and below, OSM 
does not agree that proposed W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii) is less effective 
than SMCRA and the Federal regulations.
    Wyoming's permit application rules at chapter II, section 
2(a)(vi)(D)( require studies of wildlife and their habitats in the 
level of detail as determined by the Wyoming Land Quality Division, 
after consultation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The 
purpose of these baseline studies is to identify valuable wildlife 
habitats so that the permit applicant can be required to plan mining 
and reclamation operations to minimize wildlife impacts. If these 
studies reveal valuable wildlife habitat on grazingland, the permit 
applicant would be required to accordingly plan mining and reclamation 
operations to minimize wildlife impacts, regardless of whether the 
Wyoming Game and Fish Department subsequently (after initial permit or 
amendment application) designated the valuable habitat as critical 
habitat. If the crucial habitat designation on grazing land did occur 
after initial permit or amendment application, the Wyoming Land Quality 
Division would not under W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii) have to obtain Wyoming 
Game and Fish Department approval of shrub revegetation standards, but, 
assuming that the habitat was at least important habitat, it would 
still have to solicit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's 
recommendations. The Wyoming Land Quality Division has an obligation to 
afford good-faith considerations to all Wyoming Game and Fish 
Department recommendations regarding protection, restoration, and 
enhancement of wildlife resources, regardless of the postmining land 
use.
    In addition to the aforementioned permitting requirements, the 
permit applicant would not be relieved of the responsibility to meet 
the performance

[[Page 40744]]

standards in Wyoming's rules at chapter IV, section 2(r), which 
requires an operator, to the extent possible using the best technology 
currently available and consistent with the approved postmining land 
use, minimize disturbance, and where practicable, enhance wildlife 
resources.
    University of Wyoming.--The Head of the Department of Plant, Soil, 
and Insect Sciences, University of Wyoming, responded but had no 
comments on the amendment (administrative record No. WY-31-16).

2. Federal Agency Comments

    Pursuant to 732.17(h)(11)(i), OSM solicited comments on the 
proposed amendment from various Federal agencies with an actual or 
potential interest in the Wyoming program.
    U.S. Bureau of Mines.--By letter dated December 21, 1995, the U.S. 
Bureau of Mines, Division of Environmental Technology, responded that 
it had no comments on the amendment (administrative record No. WY-31-
06).
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.--By letter dated December 27, 1995, 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responded that it found the amendment 
to be satisfactory (administrative record No. WY-31-07).
    U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation 
Service (NRCS).--By letter dated January 12, 1996, NRCS responded with 
comments (administrative record No. WY-31-10).
    NRCS recommended that the proposed land use definition of 
``grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(iii) be revised to read: 
``Grazingland includes rangelands and forest lands where the indigenous 
native vegetation is actively managed for grazing, browsing, occasional 
mechanical forage harvesting, and may also be used by wildlife.'' OSM 
made Wyoming aware of this recommendation, but it did not require 
Wyoming to revise the proposed definition because, as discussed in 
finding No. 8, it is no less effective than the corresponding Federal 
land use definition for ``grazingland'' at 30 CFR 701.5.
    NRCS commented on the proposed rule at chapter II, section 
2(b)(iv)(C), which includes requirements for permit application 
revegetation plans. The existing, unrevised language of this rule 
indicates that the ``[t]he standards and specifications adopted by the 
State Conservation Commission for mine reclamation shall be considered 
by the applicant during the preparation of the reclamation plan 
whenever practicable.'' NRCS stated that the State Conservation 
Commission is no longer in existence and that the State Board of 
Agriculture now has this former Commission's responsibilities; it also 
stated that the rule should indicate where the referenced standards and 
specifications can be obtained. In its March 8, 1996, issue letter, OSM 
notified Wyoming of this comment. In its April 9, 1996, response, 
Wyoming confirmed that the State Conservation Commission has disbanded 
and been replaced by the State Board of Agriculture. Wyoming stated 
that this Board does not have the responsibility for setting standards 
and specifications for mine reclamation. Therefore, Wyoming indicated 
it would in the future propose to OSM that the above-quoted sentence be 
deleted from the rule. Wyoming noted that another provision of the 
rule, which requires consultation with the Wyoming Department of 
Agriculture on croplands, will be retained because the Federal 
regulations at 30 CFR 780.23(a)(2)(ii) require consultation with such 
State agricultural agencies.
    Bureau of Land Management.--By letter dated January 18, 1996, the 
Bureau of Land Management, Rock Springs District Office (BLM-RSDO), 
responded with comments (administrative record No. WY-31-12). Those 
comments that relate to proposed amendment revisions are discussed 
below. Other comments that relate to rules that are not proposed for 
revision in this amendment have been included in the administrative 
record for Wyoming's future consideration.
    BLM-RSDO commented that the land use definition for ``grazingland'' 
in the proposed rule at chapter I, section 2(bc)(iii), should be 
revised by deleting the proposed phrase ``and occasional use by 
wildlife.'' In making this comment, BLM-RSDO was apparently unaware 
that Wyoming was adding the phrase ``and occasional use by wildlife'' 
in response to the required amendment at 30 CFR 950.16(q) that OSM 
placed on the Wyoming program. For a discussion of the required 
amendment and proposed definition, which the Director is approving, see 
finding No. 8.
    BLM-RSDO commented that the revisions proposed in the land use 
definition for ``fish and wildlife habitat'' in the proposed rule at 
chapter I, section 2(bc)(viii) should not be made and that the 
definition should remain unchanged. As discussed in finding No. 1, the 
Director is approving the proposed definition because it is 
substantively identical to the corresponding Federal land use 
definition for ``fish and wildlife habitat'' at 30 CFR 701.5.
    BLM-RSDO submitted comments on appendix A, section VIII.E (testing 
of adequacy of reclamation, evaluation of shrub density) questioning 
why treated grazingland was not subject to the standard of one shrub 
per square meter on the 20 percent of the affected area that is set 
forth in the rules at chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E). As discussed in 
finding No. 9 and as set forth in the proposed definition for ``treated 
grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), grazingland that is 
disturbed after the date of OSM's approval of these rules, was treated 
more than 5 years prior to the submission of the permit application, 
and supports a premining shrub density of less than one shrub per 9 
square meters is ``treated grazingland.'' As discussed in the finding, 
the Director agrees with Wyoming that the shrub standard set by Wyoming 
for treated grazingland strikes a reasonable balance between 
agricultural interests and wildlife habitat needs that is not 
inconsistent with the intent of SMCRA and the Federal regulations.
    Lastly, BLM-RSDO commented that the list of plant species of 
special concern in appendix A, appendix IV, should be updated with 1995 
data from the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database. OSM included this 
comment in its March 9, 1996, issue letter to Wyoming. In response, 
Wyoming stated that it would, through the rulemaking process and in 
some future amendment, remove the list from appendix A and instead 
refer the reader to the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database Office for a 
current list of plant species of special concern.
    By letter dated January 18, 1996, BLM, Wyoming State Office (BLM-
WSO), responded with a comment on the proposed rule at chapter XIII, 
section 3(a) (administrative record No. WY-31-15). Wyoming proposed to 
revise the rule to require coal operators to mail copies of significant 
permit revision maps to the Wyoming Oil and Gas commission, rather than 
owners of record, in accordance with W.S. 35-11-406(j). BLM-WSO 
recommended that the rule be revised to require coal operators to mail 
pertinent maps to all oil and gas operators within the permit area. OSM 
did not require Wyoming to make this recommended revision because the 
Federal regulations at 30 CFR 774.13(b)(2) and 773.13(a)(3) do not 
require it. As discussed in finding No. 12, the Director is approving 
the proposed rule on the basis that it is no less effective than the 
corresponding Federal regulations.
    U.S. Fish and wildlife Service (FWS).--By letter dated January 19,

[[Page 40745]]

1996, FWS responded with comments (administrative record No. WY-31-11).
    FWS commented that the rules in several places require consultation 
with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on minimum stocking and 
planting arrangements of trees and shrubs on critical habitats, which 
Wyoming defines as those areas essential to the survival and recovery 
of species listed by the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce as 
threatened or endangered. FWS stated that consultation on Federally 
designated critical habitats must occur with FWS and cannot be 
delegated to a State agency.
    OSM agreed with FWS's comment and notified Wyoming in the March 8, 
1996, issue letter that, to be no less effective than the Federal 
permit application at 30 CFR 780.16(a) and (a)(2)(i), Wyoming must 
revise its proposed rule at chapter II, section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II) to 
require consultation with FWS on critical habitat. In its April 9, 
1996, response to the issue letter, Wyoming acknowledged the need to 
revise the rule, and it will do so in the future. As discussed in 
finding No. 10 of this notice, the Director finds that Wyoming's 
proposed rule at chapter II, section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II) is less effective 
than the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 780.16(a) and (a)(2)(i). 
Therefore, the Director is requiring Wyoming to revise the rule to 
require consultation with FWS on critical habitat.
    FWS also commented that Wyoming's Enrolled Act No. 8, which limits 
some alterations to crucial habitat designations by the Wyoming Game 
and Fish Department, seems to conflict with the intent of SMCRA and 
could affect habitats of value to migratory birds and other species of 
high Federal interest. For a response to this general comment on W.S. 
35-11-402(b)(ii), see the above responses to the comments on this 
section of the Wyoming's statute from the National Wildlife Federation, 
Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and Wyoming Outdoor Council.
    Mine Safety and Health Administration.--By letter dated January 24, 
1996, the Mine Safety and Health Administration responded but had no 
comments on the amendment (administrative record No. WY-31-14).

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Concurrence and Comments

    Pursuant to 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii), OSM is required to solicit 
the written concurrence of EPA with respect to those provisions of the 
proposed program amendment that relate to air or water quality 
standards promulgated under the authority of the Clean Water Act (33 
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.). 
None of the revisions that Wyoming proposed to make in its amendment 
pertain to air or water quality standards. Therefore, OSM did not 
request EPA's concurrence.
    Pursuant to 732.17(h)(11)(i), OSM solicited comments on the 
proposed amendment from EPA (administrative record No. WY-31-03). It 
did not respond to OSM's request.

4. State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council 
on Historic Preservation (ACHP)

    Pursuant to 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), OSM solicited comments on the 
proposed amendment from the SHPO and ACHP (administrative record No. 
WY-31-04). By letter dated January 4, 1996, the SHPO indicated he had 
no objections to the proposed amendment (administrative record No. WY-
31-08). ACHP did not respond to OSM's request.

V. Director's Decision

    Based on the above findings, the Director approves, with additional 
requirements, Wyoming's proposed amendment as submitted on November 29, 
1995.
    The Director approves, as discussed in:
    Finding No. 1, revision of the land use definition for ``fish and 
wildlife habitat'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(viii), and revision of 
chapter XI, section 5(a), substitution of a surety bond for a self-
bond;
    Finding No. 2, deletion of the definition for ``agricultural 
lands'' at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxviii);
    Finding No. 3, deletion of the definition for ``critical habitat'' 
at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxix) and revision of the definition for 
``critical habitat`` at chapter I, section 2(v);
    Finding No. 4, deletion of the definition for ``crucial habitat'' 
at W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxx), addition of the definition for ``crucial 
habitat'' at chapter I, section 2(w), and revision of the definition 
for ``important habitat'' at chapter I, section 2(ax);
    Finding No. 6, revision of W.S. 25-11-402(c), establishment of 
shrubs on grazingland;
    Finding No. 7, addition of the definition for ``eligible land'' at 
chapter I, section 2(ac), and revision of chapter IV, section 
2(d)(x)(E) (I) and (II), and appendix A, reclamation success standards 
for shrub density;
    Finding No. 8, revision of the land use definition for 
``grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(iii);
    Finding No. 12, revision of chapter XIII, section 3(a), notice and 
opportunity for public hearing on permit revision; and
    Finding No. 13, revision of the definition for ``fragile lands'' at 
chapter XVII, section 1(a), with respect to designation of lands 
unsuitable for mining.
    With the requirement that Wyoming further revise its rules and/or 
statute, the Director approves, as discussed in:
    Finding No. 5, revision of W.S. 35-11-402(b), chapter II, section 
2(b)(iv)(C), and chapter IV, sections 2(d)(x)(E) and (E)(III), 
establishment of reclamation standards for fish and wildlife habitat 
and grazingland;
    Finding No. 9, addition of the land use definition for ``treated 
grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi);
    Finding No. 10, revision of chapter II, section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II), 
consultation by the Wyoming Land Quality Division on critical habitat; 
and
    Finding No. 11, revision of chapter X, section 4(e), disturbance of 
critical, crucial, and important habitats by exploration operations.
    The Federal regulations at 30 CFR part 950, codifying decisions 
concerning the Wyoming program, are being amended to implement this 
decision. This final rule is being made effective immediately to 
expedite the State program amendment process and to encourage states to 
bring their programs into conformity with the Federal standards without 
undue delay. Consistency of State and Federal standards is required by 
SMCRA.

VI. Procedural Determinations

1. Executive Order 12866

    This rule is exempted from review by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and 
Review).

2. Executive Order 12988

    The Department of the Interior has conducted the reviews required 
by section 3 of Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform) and has 
determined that this rule meets the applicable standards of subsections 
(a) and (b) of that section. However, these standards are not 
applicable to the actual language of State regulatory programs and 
program amendments since each such program is drafted and promulgated 
by a specific State, not by OSM. Under sections 503 and 505 of SMCRA 
(30 U.S.C. 1253 and 1255) and the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 730.11, 
732.15, and 732.17(h)(10), decisions on proposed State regulatory 
programs and program amendments

[[Page 40746]]

submitted by the States must be based solely on a determination of 
whether the submittal is consistent with SMCRA and its implementing 
Federal regulations and whether the other requirements of 30 CFR parts 
730, 731, and 732 have been met.

3. National Environmental Policy Act

    No environmental impact statement is required for this rule since 
section 702(d) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that agency 
decisions on proposed State regulatory program provisions do not 
constitute major Federal actions within the meaning of section 
102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 
4332(2)(C)).

4. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements that 
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 
3507 et seq.).

5. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior has determined that this rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
The State submittal that is the subject of this rule is based upon 
counterpart Federal regulations for which an economic analysis was 
prepared and certification made that such regulations would not have a 
significant economic effect upon a substantial number of small 
entities. Accordingly, this rule will ensure that existing requirements 
previously promulgated by OSM will be implemented by the State. In 
making the determination as to whether this rule would have a 
significant economic impact, the Department relied upon the data and 
assumptions for the counterpart Federal regulations.

6. Unfunded Mandates

    This rule will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any 
given year on any governmental entity or the private sector.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 950

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.

    Dated: July 24, 1996.
Peter A. Rutledge,
Acting Regional Director, Western Regional Coordinating Center.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, Title 30, Chapter VII, 
Subchapter T of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as set forth 
below:

PART 950--WYOMING

    1. The authority citation for part 950 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.

    2. Section 950.15 is amended by adding paragraph (x) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 950.15  Approval of regulatory program amendments.

* * * * *
    (x) The following statutes and rules, as submitted to OSM on 
November 29, 1995, are approved effective August 6, 1996: Deletion of 
W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxviii), definition for ``agricultural lands;'' W.S. 
35-11-103(e)(xxix) and the rule at chapter I, section 2(v), definition 
for ``critical habitat;'' W.S. 35-11-103(e)(xxx) and the rules at 
chapter I, sections 2(ax) and (w), definitions for ``important 
habitat'' and ``crucial habitat;'' W.S. 35-11-402(b), reclamation 
standards for fish and wildlife habitat and grazingland; W.S. 35-11-
402(c), establishment of shrubs on grazingland; rules at chapter I, 
section 2(ac), chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(I) and (II), and appendix 
A, definition for ``eligible land'' and reclamation success standards 
for shrub density; rule at chapter I, section 2(bc)(iii), definition 
for ``grazingland;'' rule at chapter I, section 2(bc)(viii), land use 
definition for ``fish and wildlife habitat;'' rule at chapter I, 
section 2(bc)(xi), definition for ``treated grazingland;'' rule at 
chapter XI, section 5(a), substitution of a surety bond for a self-
bond; rule at chapter XIII, section 3(a) notice and opportunity for 
public hearing on permit revision; rule at chapter XVII, section 1(a), 
lands unsuitable for mining and definition for ``fragile lands;'' the 
rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C), and chapter IV, section 
2(d)(x)(E)(III), establishment of reclamation standards for fish and 
wildlife habitat and grazingland; rule at chapter II, section 
2(a)(vi)(G)(II), consultation by the Wyoming Land Quality Division on 
critical habitat; and rule at chapter X, section 4(e), disturbance of 
important habitat by exploration operations.
    3. Section 950.16 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs 
(q) and (bb) through (hh) and adding paragraphs (ii) though (ll) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 950.16   Required program amendments.

 * * * * *
    (ii) By May 30, 1997, Wyoming shall
    (1) Revise the rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C), and 
chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(III), to be consistent with the statute 
at W.S. 35-11-402(b)(ii) by requiring Wyoming Game and Fish Department 
approval of revegetation standards for grazingland that was designated 
by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as crucial habitat prior to 
submittal of the initial permit application or any subsequent 
amendments to the permit application; or revise the statute at W.S. 35-
11-402(b)(ii) to be consistent with the rules at chapter II, section 
2(b)(iv)(C), and chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(III) by deleting the 
phrase ``prior to submittal of the initial permit application or any 
subsequent amendments to the permit application;'' and
    (2) Revise the rules at chapter II, section 2(b)(iv)(C), and 
chapter IV, section 2(d)(x)(E)(III), to require consultation with and 
approval by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department of tree and shrub 
standards for all lands to be reclaimed for the ``fish and wildlife 
habitat'' land use.
    (jj) By May 30, 1997, Wyoming shall revise the definition for 
``treated grazingland'' at chapter I, section 2(bc)(xi), otherwise 
revise its rules, or provide OSM with a policy statement, clarifying 
the shrub standard for grazingland that is affected after the date of 
OSM's approval and that was treated less than 5 years prior to the 
submission of the permit application.
    (kk) By May 30, 1997, Wyoming shall revise the rule at chapter II, 
section 2(a)(vi)(G)(II), or otherwise modify its program, to require 
consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on critical 
habitat.
    (ll) By May 30, 1997, Wyoming shall revise the rule at chapter X, 
section 4(e), or otherwise modify its program, to prohibit the 
disturbance of important habitat by coal exploration operations.

[FR Doc. 96-19735 Filed 8-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-M