[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 110 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33243-33249]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-8926]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 925

[Docket No. MO-038-FOR]


Missouri Regulatory Program

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

ACTION: Final rule; approval of amendment.

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SUMMARY: We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 
(OSM), are approving an amendment to the Missouri regulatory program 
(Missouri program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act 
of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Previously we substituted direct Federal 
enforcement for portions of the Missouri program. Missouri regained 
full authority for its program on February 1, 2006. Missouri proposed 
to amend its approved regulatory program and submitted a temporary 
emergency regulatory program rule (emergency rule) to revise Missouri's 
regulations regarding bonding of surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations. The emergency rule will allow Missouri to transition from a 
``bond pool'' approach to bonding to a ``full cost bond'' approach in a 
timely manner. Missouri proposed to revise its program to improve 
operational efficiency.

DATES: Effective Date: June 8, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew R. Gilmore, Chief, Alton Field 
Division. Telephone: (618) 463-6460. E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background on the Missouri Program
II. Submission of the Amendment
III. OSM's Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSM's Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations

I. Background on the Missouri Program

    Section 503(a) of the Act permits a State to assume primacy for the 
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on non-
Federal and non-Indian lands within its borders by demonstrating that 
its State program includes, among other things, ``a State law which 
provides for the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations in accordance with the requirements of this Act * * *; and 
rules and regulations consistent with regulations issued by the 
Secretary pursuant to this Act.'' See 30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). On 
the basis of these criteria, the Secretary of the Interior 
conditionally approved the Missouri program on November 21, 1980. You 
can find background information on the Missouri program, including the 
Secretary's findings, the disposition of comments, and conditions of 
approval, in the November 21, 1980, Federal Register (45 FR 77017). You 
can also find later actions concerning the Missouri program and program 
amendments at 30 CFR 925.10, 925.12, 925.15, and 925.16.

[[Page 33244]]

II. Submission of the Amendment

    Previously we substituted direct Federal enforcement for portions 
of the Missouri program. Missouri regained full authority for its 
program on February 1, 2006. By letter dated October 31, 2005, Missouri 
submitted an emergency rule to amend its approved regulatory program 
under SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) (Administrative Record No. MO-
665). The purpose of the emergency rule is to revise Missouri's 
regulations regarding bonding of surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations to allow Missouri to transition from a ``bond pool'' 
approach to bonding to a ``full cost bond'' approach in a timely 
manner. The amendment will also improve operational efficiency. The 
emergency rule became effective in Missouri on January 1, 2006. 
Missouri has indicated that, in the near future, it will submit a 
permanent regulatory program rule (permanent rule) regarding its 
bonding regulations and that this rule will contain regulatory language 
that is substantially identical to the language in this emergency rule. 
If Missouri submits the permanent rule with language that has the same 
meaning as the emergency rule, we will publish a final rule and 
Missouri's permanent rule will become part of the Missouri program.
    We announced receipt of the amendment in the November 29, 2005, 
Federal Register (70 FR 71425). In the same document, we opened the 
public comment period and provided an opportunity for a public hearing 
or meeting on the adequacy of the amendment. We did not hold a public 
hearing or meeting because no one requested one. The public comment 
period ended on December 29, 2005. We did not receive any comments.
    During our review of the amendment, we identified concerns about 
types of bonds, and criteria and schedule for release of reclamation 
liability. We notified Missouri of these concerns by telephone and E-
mail on November 23 and 29, 2005 (Administrative Record Nos. MO-665.2, 
MO-665.3, and MO-665.11), and on December 2 and 8, 2005 (Administrative 
Record Nos. MO-665.5 and MO-665.7).
    Missouri responded by E-mail on November 23, 2005, and December 21, 
2005, by sending us a revised amendment (Administrative Record Nos. MO-
665.2, MO-665.3, and MO-665.10). Because the additional information 
and/or revisions merely clarified certain provisions of Missouri's 
amendment, we did not reopen the public comment period.

III. OSM's Findings

    Following are the findings we made concerning the amendment under 
SMCRA and the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17. We are 
approving the amendment as described below. Any revisions that we do 
not specifically discuss below concern nonsubstantive wording or 
editorial changes.

A. Minor Revisions to Missouri's Regulations

    Missouri's definition for ``regulatory authority,'' found at 10 CSR 
[Code of State Regulations] 40-8.010(82), means the Land Reclamation 
Commission (commission), the director, or their designated 
representatives and employees unless otherwise specified in the State's 
rules. Missouri proposed to replace the words ``commission'' or 
``regulatory authority'' with the word ``director'' in the following 
regulations: 10 CSR 40-7.011(2)(A), (3)(C), (4)(B), (6)(B)1., 5., 6., 
and 7., (6)(C)1. and 8., (6)(D)2., and (6)(D)2.B, 3.B, 3.B(I) and 5.C; 
and 10 CSR 40-7.041(1)(A), (B)1. and (B)2. Missouri proposed to improve 
operational efficiency by specifying that the director is to perform 
certain duties. We find that the substitution of the word ``director'' 
for the words ``commission'' or ``regulatory authority'' will not 
render Missouri's regulations less effective than the Federal 
regulations because in accordance with Missouri's definition for 
regulatory authority, the director is a regulatory authority as is the 
commission and the certain duties specified in the regulations cited 
above are not duties reserved solely for the commission according to 
section 444.810 of Missouri's surface coal mining law. Therefore, we 
are approving these revisions.

B. Revisions to Missouri's Regulations That Have the Same Meaning as 
the Corresponding Provisions of the Federal Regulations

    The State regulations listed in the table below contain language 
that is the same as or similar to the corresponding sections of the 
Federal regulations.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Federal
                                       Missouri           counterpart
              Topic                 regulation (10      regulation (30
                                         CSR)                CFR)
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Requirement to File a Bond......  40-7.011(2)(B)....  800.11(d).
Bond Amounts....................  40-7.011(4).......  800.14(a) and (b).
Changing Bond Amounts...........  40-7.011(5).......  800.15.
Personal Bonds Secured by         40-7.011(6)(C)2...  800.21(b)(2).
 Letters of Credit.
Definition for ``Parent           40-7.011(6)(D)1.F.  800.23(a).
 Corporation''.
Self-Bonding....................  40-7.011(6)(D)2.,   800.23(b), (b)(2),
                                   (6)(D)2.B.,         (b)(4)(i) through
                                   (6)(D)2.D.(I)       (iii), (c), and
                                   through (III),      (f).
                                   (6)(D)3., and
                                   (6)(D)6.
Criteria and schedule for         40-7.021(2)(B)5.    800.40(c).
 release of reclamation            and 6..
 liability.
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    Because the above State regulations have the same meaning as the 
corresponding Federal regulations, we find that they are no less 
effective than the Federal regulations.

C. 10 CSR 40-7.011 Bond Requirements

1. 10 CSR 40-7.011(1) Definitions
    a. Missouri proposed to revise its definition for personal bond in 
paragraph (1)(C) to read as follows:

    Personal bond means an indemnity agreement in a sum certain 
executed by the permittee as principal which is supported by 
negotiable certificates of deposit or irrevocable letters of credit 
which may be drawn upon by the director if reclamation is not 
completed or if the permit is revoked prior to completion of 
reclamation.

    The Federal definition for collateral bond found at 30 CFR 
800.15(b) means an indemnity agreement in a sum certain executed by the 
permittee as principal which is supported by one or more of the 
following: a cash account; negotiable bonds of the United States, a 
State, or municipality; negotiable certificates of deposit; irrevocable 
letters of credit; a perfected, first-lien security interest in real 
property; or other investment-grade rated securities having a rating of 
AAA, AA, or A or an equivalent rating issued by a nationally recognized 
securities rating service. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.50 
provides for the regulatory authority to forfeit bonds and use funds 
collected

[[Page 33245]]

from bond forfeiture to complete the reclamation plan or portion 
thereof, on the permit area or increment to which bond coverage 
applies.
    Missouri has chosen to limit the vehicles that support an indemnity 
agreement to negotiable certificates of deposit and irrevocable letters 
of credit. Missouri also provides that the director may use funds from 
personal bonds if reclamation is not completed or if the permit is 
revoked before the completion of reclamation. We are, therefore, 
approving Missouri's definition for personal bond because it is no less 
effective than the above Federal regulations.
    b. Missouri proposed to revise its definition for Phase I bond in 
paragraph (1)(D) to read as follows:

    Phase I bond means performance bond conditioned on the release 
of sixty percent (60%) of the bond upon the successful completion of 
Phase I reclamation of a permit area in accordance with the approved 
reclamation plan.

    There is no Federal definition for Phase I bond, however, the 
Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(c) states that the regulatory 
authority may release all or part of the bond for the entire permit 
area or incremental area if the regulatory authority is satisfied that 
all the reclamation or a phase of the reclamation covered by the bond 
or portion thereof has been accomplished in accordance with specific 
schedules for reclamation of Phases I, II, and III. The schedule for 
Phase I reclamation, found at 30 CFR 800.40(c)(1), involves the 
operator completing the backfilling, re-grading (which may include the 
replacement of topsoil), and drainage control of a bonded area in 
accordance with the approved reclamation plan. When this schedule is 
complete, the regulatory authority may release 60 percent of the bond. 
We are approving Missouri's definition for Phase I bond because it is 
no less effective than the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(c)(1).
2. 10 CSR 40-7.011(6) Types of Bonds
    a. 10 CSR 40-7.011(6)(A) Surety bonds.
    Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (6)(A)8. regarding surety 
bonds. This paragraph inappropriately refers to a ``bank'' or ``bank 
charter'' when the subject matter of this paragraph pertains to a 
surety company. Missouri proposed to delete the language that refers to 
a ``bank'' or ``bank charter.'' Also, Missouri proposed to correct the 
incorrect reference citation, 10 CSR 40-7.031(A)(6), so that it 
correctly reads 10 CSR 40-7.031(1)(F)2. We are approving Missouri's 
revisions regarding the deletion of the terms ``bank'' and ``bank 
charter'' because they are inappropriately included in this paragraph 
that pertains only to surety companies. We are also approving the 
correction of the incorrect reference citation.
    Finally, Missouri proposed that, upon the incapacity of the surety 
because of bankruptcy or insolvency, or suspension or revocation of its 
license, the permittee must promptly notify the director. Upon this 
notification, the director must issue a notice of violation (NOV) 
against the operator who is without bond coverage specifying that the 
operator must replace the bond in no more than 90 days. If the NOV is 
not abated in accordance with the schedule, a cessation order must be 
issued requiring immediate compliance with 10 CSR 40-3.150(4), 
Cessation of Operations--Permanent.
    The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.16(e)(2) sets forth a 
requirement that upon the incapacity of a bank or surety company by 
reason of bankruptcy or insolvency, or suspension or revocation of a 
charter or license, the permittee must be deemed to be without bond 
coverage and must promptly notify the regulatory authority. When the 
regulatory authority receives the notification, it must notify the 
operator in writing to replace the bond in a period not to exceed 90 
days. If the operator does not provide an adequate bond, the operator 
must cease mining and immediately begin reclamation operations in 
accordance with the approved reclamation plan.
    We are approving the above revision because it is no less effective 
than the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.16(e)(2).
    b. 10 CSR 40-7.011(6)(B) Personal bonds secured by certificates of 
deposit.
    i. Missouri proposed to revise paragraphs (6)(B)2., 4., 6., and 7. 
regarding personal bonds secured by certificates of deposit. Paragraph 
(6)(B)4. refers to banks or savings and loan companies issuing the 
certificates of deposit, while paragraphs (6)(B)2., 6., and 7 only 
refer to banks issuing certificates of deposit. Missouri proposed to 
revise these paragraphs to make them consistent with paragraph (6)(B)4. 
Missouri also proposed to remove the term ``Federal Savings and Loan 
Insurance Corporation (FSLIC)'' from this paragraph because the FSLIC 
was abolished and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) now 
insures savings and loan companies. We are approving these revisions 
because the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.21(a)(4) implies that 
banks or savings and loan companies are acceptable sources for 
certificates of deposit by its reference to certificates of deposits 
insured by the FDIC or the FSLIC.
    ii. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (6)(B)4. by adding that 
permittees may not submit, from a single bank or savings and loan 
company, certificates of deposit totaling more than the maximum 
insurable amount as determined by the FDIC. We are approving this 
revision because the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.21(a)(4) contains 
the provision that an individual certificate of deposit cannot be 
accepted in an amount that is greater than the maximum insurable amount 
as determined by the FDIC.
     iii. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (6)(B)7. by changing 
the number of days that an operator has for replacing bond coverage 
from 60 to 90 days if the operator is without bond because of a bank's 
or savings and loan company's insolvency or bankruptcy or suspension or 
revocation of its charter or license. Missouri also proposed to add a 
requirement to paragraph (6)(B)7. that prohibits an operator from 
resuming mining operations until after the director has determined that 
an acceptable bond has been posted. We are approving the revision 
because the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.16(e) provides that the 
operator must replace the bond in a period not to exceed 90 days and 
that the operator must not resume mining operations until the 
regulatory authority has determined that an acceptable bond has been 
posted.
    c. 10 CSR 40-7.011(6)(C) Personal bonds secured by letters of 
credit.
    i. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (6)(C)4. as follows:

    The letter of credit shall be issued by a bank authorized to do 
business in the United States. If the issuing bank is located in 
another state, a bank located in Missouri must confirm the letter of 
credit. Confirmations shall be irrevocable and on a form provided by 
the director;

    The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.21(b)(1) requires letters of 
credit to be issued by a bank organized or authorized to do business in 
the United States. Therefore, we are approving Missouri's proposed 
revision because it is no less effective than the Federal regulation.
    ii. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (6)(C)9. to require the 
bond to have a mechanism by which a bank must give prompt notice to the 
director and the permittee of any action filed alleging the insolvency 
or bankruptcy of the bank or permittee or alleging any violations which 
would result in the suspension or revocation of the bank's charter or 
license to do business.

[[Page 33246]]

Missouri also proposed that upon the incapacity of any bank by reason 
of insolvency or bankruptcy or suspension or revocation of its charter 
or license, the permittee shall be deemed to be without bond and the 
director must, upon notification of the incapacity, issue an NOV to the 
operator who is without bond. The NOV must specify a period not to 
exceed 90 days in which to replace the bond coverage. In addition, if 
the NOV is not abated in accordance with the abatement schedule, a 
cessation order must be issued requiring the immediate compliance with 
10 CSR 40-3.150(4) Cessation of Operations--Permanent and the mining 
operations must not resume until the director has determined that an 
acceptable bond has been posted.
    The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.16(e)(1) requires the bond to 
have a mechanism for a bank or surety company to promptly notify the 
regulatory authority and the permittee of any action filed alleging the 
insolvency or bankruptcy of the bank, surety company, or permittee or 
alleging any violations which would result in the suspension or 
revocation of the bank's or surety company's charter or license to do 
business. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.16(e)(2) deems the 
permittee to be without bond coverage upon the incapacity of the bank 
or surety company by reason of insolvency or bankruptcy or suspension 
or revocation of its charter or license and requires the permittee to 
promptly notify the regulatory authority of the incapacity. The 
regulatory authority upon this notification must notify, in writing, 
the operator who is without bond coverage, to replace bond coverage in 
a period not to exceed 90 days. If an adequate bond is not posted, the 
operator must (1) Cease mining, (2) comply with 30 CFR 816.132 or 30 
CFR 817.132, Cessation of Operations: Permanent, and (3) immediately 
begin reclamation operations in accordance with the reclamation plan.
    We are approving Missouri's revisions because they are no less 
effective than the above Federal regulations.
    d. 10 CSR 40-7.011(6)(D) Self-Bonding.
    i. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (6)(D)8. by changing the 
time period for replacing bond from 60 days to 90 days if the financial 
conditions of the permittee or third-party guarantors change so that 
they no longer satisfy the requirements for being able to post self 
bonds. Missouri also proposed that if the bond is not replaced in 
accordance with the schedule set by the director, the operator must 
immediately begin to conduct reclamation operations in accordance with 
the reclamation plan.
    The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.23(g) provides that if the 
financial conditions of the applicant, parent, or non-parent corporate 
guarantor change so that the criteria for being able to post self bonds 
are not met, the permittee must immediately notify the regulatory 
authority and must post an alternative form of bond within 90 days. If 
the permittee does not post the alternate bond, the operator must cease 
mining operations and immediately begin to conduct reclamation 
operations in accordance with the reclamation plan.
    We are approving Missouri's revision because it is no less 
effective than the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.23(g).
3. 10 CSR 40-7.011(7) Replacement of Bonds
    Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (7)(A). This paragraph allows 
permittees to replace existing surety or personal bonds with other 
surety or personal bonds. Missouri proposed to add self bonds so that 
permittees may replace existing surety or personal or self bonds with 
other surety or personal or self bonds.
    The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.30(a) provides that the 
regulatory authority may allow a permittee to replace existing bonds 
with other bonds that provide adequate coverage.
    We are approving Missouri's revision because it is no less 
effective than the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.30(a).

D. 10 CSR 40-7.021(2) Criteria and Schedule for Release of Reclamation 
Liability

1. Missouri proposed to revise paragraphs (2) and (2)(E). Paragraph (2) 
reads as follows:

    (2) Criteria and Schedule for Release of Reclamation Liability. 
Except as described in subsection (2)(E), reclamation liability 
shall be released in three (3) phases.

    Missouri proposed to delete the phrase, ``Except as described in 
subsection (2)(E),'' so that revised paragraph (2) reads as follows:

    (2) Criteria and Schedule for Release of Reclamation Liability. 
Reclamation liability shall be released in three (3) phases.

    Paragraph (2)(E) reads as follows:

    (E) All bonding liability may be released in full from 
undisturbed areas when further disturbances from surface mining have 
ceased. No bonding shall be released from undisturbed areas before 
Phase I liability applying to adjacent disturbed lands is released, 
except that the commission may approve a separate bond release from 
an area of undisturbed land if the area is not excessively small and 
can be separated from areas that have been or will be disturbed by a 
distinct boundary, which can be easily located in the field and 
which is not so irregular as to make record keeping unusually 
difficult. The permit shall terminate on all areas where all bonds 
have been released.

    Missouri proposed to delete all the language in this paragraph 
except the last sentence, so that revised paragraph (2)(E) reads as 
follows:

    (E) The permit shall terminate on all areas where all bonds have 
been released.

    The Federal regulations that pertain to the requirement for 
releasing Phase I, II, and III performance bonds are found at 30 CFR 
800.40(c), however, there are no direct Federal counterpart regulations 
to 10 CSR 40-7.021(2) and (2)(E). The language being removed from 10 
CSR 40-7.021(2) references 10 CSR 40-7.021(2)(E) and both of these 
paragraphs pertain to the full release of bond, under certain 
conditions, from undisturbed areas where further disturbance from 
surface mining have ceased. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.15(c) 
allows bond adjustments which involve undisturbed land and states that 
these adjustments are not considered bond release subject to the 
procedures of 30 CFR 800.40. We are approving the removal of the 
language from 10 CSR 40-7.021(2) and (2)(E) because the removal of this 
language is not inconsistent with and will not render Missouri's 
regulations less effective than the Federal regulations.
2. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (2)(A) regarding the criteria 
for release of Phase I liability. Paragraph (2)(A) reads as follows:

    (A) An area shall qualify for release of Phase I liability upon 
completion of backfilling and grading, topsoiling, drainage control 
and initial seeding of the disturbed area. Phase I bond shall be 
retained on unreclaimed temporary structures, such as roads, 
siltation structures, diversions and stockpiles, on an acre for acre 
basis.

    Missouri proposed to delete the phrase, ``on an acre for acre 
basis,'' from the last sentence of this paragraph.
    The Federal counterpart regulation is found at 30 CFR 800.40(c)(1) 
and provides that Phase I reclamation is complete after the operator 
completes the backfilling, regrading (which may include the replacement 
of topsoil), and drainage control of the bonded area in accordance with 
the approved reclamation plan. We are approving the deletion of the 
above phrase from Missouri's regulation because it will not render the 
State regulation less effective than the Federal counterpart 
regulation.

[[Page 33247]]

3. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (2)(B)4. regarding the 
criteria for qualifying for release of Phase II liability to read as 
follows:

    4. A plan for achieving Phase III release has been approved for 
the area requested for release and the plan has been incorporated 
into the permit;

    There is no direct Federal counterpart regulation for paragraph 
(2)(B)4. However, the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 784.13(a) requires 
each application to contain a plan for the reclamation of the lands 
within the proposed permit area. Missouri's proposed regulation is no 
less effective than the above Federal regulations and we are approving 
it.
4. Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (2)(D) regarding bond release 
by deleting the language and replacing it with new language and by 
adding new paragraphs 1. through 3. to read as follows:

    (D) Bonds release.
    1. Phase I--After the operator completes the backfilling, 
grading, topsoiling, drainage control, and initial seeding of the 
disturbed area in accordance with the approved reclamation plan, the 
director shall release 60 percent of the bond for the applicable 
area.
    2. Phase II--After vegetation has been established on the 
regraded mined lands in accordance with the approved reclamation 
plan, the director shall release an additional amount of bond. When 
determining the amount of bond to be released after successful 
vegetation has been established, the director shall retain that 
amount of bond for the vegetated area which would be sufficient to 
cover the cost of reestablishing vegetation if completed by a third 
party and for the period specified for in 10 CSR 40-7.021(1)(B) for 
reestablishing vegetation.
    3. Phase III--After the operator has completed successfully all 
surface coal mining and reclamation activities, the director shall 
release the remaining portion of the bond, but not before the 
expiration period specified for the period of liability in 10 CSR 
40-7.021(1)(B).

    The Federal counterpart regulations are found at 30 CFR 
800.40(c)(1) through (c)(3) and set forth the criteria for releasing 
bond based upon the three phases of reclamation. We are approving 
Missouri's proposed revision because it is substantively the same as 
the Federal counterpart regulations.

E. 10 CSR 40-7.031 Permit Revocation, Bond Forfeiture and Authorization 
To Expend Reclamation Fund Monies

    Missouri proposed to revise paragraph (2) regarding the procedures 
for permit suspension or revocation and paragraph (4) regarding 
declaration of permit revocation. More specifically, Missouri proposed 
to revise paragraphs (2)(E)1. and (4), and to delete paragraphs 
(2)(E)2.C and D in order to remove provisions related to the Missouri 
Coal Mine Land Reclamation Fund. Missouri also proposed to add new 
paragraphs (4)(A) through (B)2. to specify what monies the director may 
use for reclamation purposes for bonds forfeited before January 1, 
2006, and for those forfeited on or after January 1, 2006.
    The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 800.11(a) through (d) set forth 
the provisions for a permit applicant to file, with the regulatory 
authority, a bond or bonds for performance that is conditioned upon the 
faithful performance of all the requirements of the Act, the regulatory 
program, the permit, and the reclamation plan. The regulations also 
include a ``full cost bond'' bonding system. The Federal regulation at 
30 CFR 800.11(e) provides that we may approve an alternative bonding 
system as part of a State program. The previously approved Missouri 
Coal Mine Land Reclamation Fund is a ``bond pool'' fund that is part of 
Missouri's alternative bonding system and is used to complete 
reclamation on permit sites for which the permits have been revoked and 
the associated bonds have been forfeited. Missouri proposed to 
terminate its alternative bonding system and to adopt a ``full cost 
bond'' bonding system effective January 1, 2006. With this transition 
to a ``full cost bond'' bonding system, Missouri proposed that only 
permit sites whose bonds have been forfeited before January 1, 2006, 
are eligible to have monies expended from the ``bond pool'' fund for 
the purpose of completing reclamation of the sites. Missouri also 
proposed that permit sites whose bonds have been forfeited on or after 
January 1, 2006, are eligible to have monies expended from the 
forfeited ``full cost bonds'' for the purpose of completing reclamation 
of the sites. We are approving Missouri's revisions as they are no less 
effective than the Federal regulations because permit sites under the 
alternative bonding system and the ``full cost bond'' bonding system 
have funds available for reclaiming coal mining and reclamation sites 
whose bonds have been forfeited.
    Finally, Missouri proposed to add new paragraphs (4)(B)1. and 2. to 
read as follows:

    1. In the event the estimated amount forfeited is insufficient 
to pay for the full cost of reclamation, the operator shall be 
liable for remaining costs. The director may complete or authorize 
completion of reclamation of the bonded area and may recover from 
the operator all costs of reclamation in excess of the amount 
forfeited.
    2. In the event the amount of performance bond forfeited is more 
than the amount necessary to complete reclamation, the unused funds 
shall be returned by the director to the party from whom they were 
collected.

    The Federal counterpart regulations are found at 30 CFR 
800.50(d)(1) and (2). We are approving Missouri's revisions because 
they are substantively identical to the Federal regulations.

IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments

Public Comments

    We asked for public comments on the amendment, but did not receive 
any.

Federal Agency Comments

    On November 10, 2005, and December 13, 2005, under 30 CFR 
732.17(h)(11)(i) and section 503(b) of SMCRA, we requested comments on 
the amendment from various Federal agencies with an actual or potential 
interest in the Missouri program (Administrative Record Nos. MO-665.1 
and MO-665.9). We did not receive any comments.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Concurrence and Comments

    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii), we are required to get a written 
concurrence from EPA for those provisions of the program amendment that 
relate to air or water quality standards issued 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 Missouri proposed to 
make in this amendment pertain to air or water quality standards. 
Therefore, we did not ask EPA to concur on the amendment.
    On November 10, 2005, and December 13, 2005, under 30 CFR 
732.17(h)(11)(i), we requested comments on the amendment from EPA 
(Administrative Record Nos. MO-665.1 and MO-665.9). EPA did not respond 
to our request.

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

    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are required to request comments from 
the SHPO and ACHP on amendments that may have an effect on historic 
properties. On November 10, 2005, and December 13, 2005, we requested 
comments on Missouri's amendment (Administrative Record No. MO-665.1 
and MO-665.9), but neither responded to our request.

V. OSM's Decision

    Based on the above findings, we approve the amendment Missouri sent 
us on October 31, 2005, and as revised on November 23, 2005, and 
December 21, 2005.

[[Page 33248]]

    To implement this decision, we are amending the Federal regulations 
at 30 CFR part 925, which codify decisions concerning the Missouri 
program. We find that good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to 
make this final rule effective immediately. Section 503(a) of SMCRA 
requires that the State's program demonstrate that the State has the 
capability of carrying out the provisions of the Act and meeting its 
purposes. Making this rule effective immediately will expedite that 
process. SMCRA requires consistency of State and Federal standards.

VI. Procedural Determinations

Executive Order 12630--Takings

    This rule does not have takings implications. This determination is 
based on the analysis performed for the counterpart Federal 
regulations.

Executive Order 12866--Regulatory Planning and Review

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

Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform

    The Department of the Interior has conducted the reviews required 
by section 3 of Executive Order 12988 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 because 
each 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 
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.

Executive Order 13132--Federalism

    This rule does not have Federalism implications. SMCRA delineates 
the roles of the Federal and State governments with regard to the 
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations. One of 
the purposes of SMCRA is to ``establish a nationwide program to protect 
society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal 
mining operations.'' Section 503(a)(1) of SMCRA requires that State 
laws regulating surface coal mining and reclamation operations be ``in 
accordance with'' the requirements of SMCRA, and section 503(a)(7) 
requires that State programs contain rules and regulations ``consistent 
with'' regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to SMCRA.

Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    In accordance with Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated the 
potential effects of this rule on Federally-recognized Indian tribes 
and have determined that the rule does not have substantial direct 
effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the 
Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. 
This determination is based on the fact that the Missouri program does 
not regulate coal exploration and surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations on Indian lands. Therefore, the Missouri program has no 
effect on Federally-recognized Indian tribes.

Executive Order 13211--Regulations That Significantly Affect The 
Supply, Distribution, or Use of Energy

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 which 
requires agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for a rule 
that is (1) considered significant under Executive Order 12866, and (2) 
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. Because this rule is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866 and is not expected to have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, a 
Statement of Energy Effects is not required.

National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not require an environmental impact statement 
because 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)).

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.).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies 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, which 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. 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.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule: (a) Does not 
have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million; (b) Will not 
cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual 
industries, Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic 
regions; and (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on 
competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the 
ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises. This determination is based upon the fact that the State 
submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon counterpart 
Federal regulations for which an analysis was prepared and a 
determination made that the Federal regulation was not considered a 
major rule.

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any 
given year. This determination is based upon the fact that the State 
submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon counterpart 
Federal regulations for which an analysis was prepared and a 
determination made that the Federal regulations did not impose an 
unfunded mandate.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 925

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.


[[Page 33249]]


    Dated: April 12, 2006.
Leonard Meier,
Acting Regional Director, Mid-Continent Region.

0
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR part 925 is amended as 
set forth below:

PART 925--MISSOURI

0
1. The authority citation for part 925 continues to read as follows:

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


0
2. Section 925.15 is amended in the table by adding a new entry in 
chronological order by ``Date of final publication'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  925.15  Approval of Missouri regulatory program amendments.

* * * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Original amendment submission date          Date of final  publication              Citation/description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
October 31, 2005......................  June 8, 2006..........................  10 CSR 40-7.011(1)(C) and (D),
                                                                                 (2)(A) and (B), (3)(C), (4) and
                                                                                 (5), (6)(A)6., 8., & 9.,
                                                                                 (6)(B)1., 2., & 4. through 7.,
                                                                                 (6)(C)1. through 4., 8. & 9.,
                                                                                 (6)(D)1.F., 2., 2.B., 2.D.(I)
                                                                                 through (III), 3., 5.C., 6.,
                                                                                 8., and (7)(A); 10 CSR 40-
                                                                                 7.021(1)(A), (2), (2)(A),
                                                                                 (2)(B)3. through 6., (2)(C)2.,
                                                                                 (2)(D) and (E); 10 CSR 40-
                                                                                 7.031(2)(E)1. and 2.,
                                                                                 (2)(E)2.C. & D., (3)(C), and
                                                                                 (4) through (4)(B)2.; and 10
                                                                                 CSR 40-7.041.
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[FR Doc. E6-8926 Filed 6-7-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P