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Chairman’s Message
As Chairman of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) for 2004, it is my pleasure to submit to you the Commission’s annual report. This year has seen the active involvement of the Compact in several innovative and challenging initiatives that will enhance the effectiveness of member states’ regulatory programs in the areas of environmental protection and natural resource development. Among these were a study on enhanced opportunities for coordinating and expanding funding for abandoned mine land reclamation; a forum on bonding and financial assurance focused on practical, market-based solutions; benchmarking workshops intended to improve and enhance state regulatory program implementation; and the development of performance measures for state primacy programs under Title V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). In each instance, IMCC was instrumental in coordinating the participation and/or input of the states on these critical issues in order to assure that state authority was preserved or enhanced.
During 2004 IMCC also continued its work to assist the states in meeting their funding needs for state regulatory and abandoned mine land (AML) programs under SMCRA. In this regard, IMCC was particularly active throughout the year in promoting a legislative proposal to amend the AML provisions in Title IV of SMCRA as the date for expiration of AML fee collection neared. IMCC also continued in its role as facilitator of state/federal discussions regarding the regulation of coal combustion wastes under SMCRA and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). IMCC has also taken a lead role in developing a single source coal reporting form and in coordinating research on acid mine drainage. As has been the hallmark of IMCC, we will continue to play a major role in advancing state/federal relations on a plethora of common issues and concerns, including bonding, subsidence, reforestation, mountaintop mining, and water quality and quantity.
It has been my privilege to serve as your Chairman during this past year. I encourage all of the states to continue their active support of the Commission as we strive to advance the protection of our natural resources while maintaining an efficient and productive mining industry.
Ed Rendell
Governor of Pennsylvania
Chairman, Interstate Mining Compact Commission
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