Plain English Breakdown
The official text contains conflicting dates ('2036' and '2032') for the expiration; this summary uses January 1, 2036 as it appears first in the sentence structure.
AB-982: Rules for Idle Mines That Make Construction Materials
This law allows certain inactive mines authorized to extract construction aggregate materials to apply for 'Idle Reserve Mine Status' until January 1, 2036, which may extend their interim management plans by up to 10 years if approved.
What This Bill Does
- Allows idle surface mining operations authorized to extract construction aggregate materials to apply for Idle Reserve Mine Status until January 1, 2036.
- Permits the lead agency to extend an interim management plan's maximum renewal period by up to 10 years if the Division of Mine Reclamation approves the status and specified conditions are met.
- Requires the State Mining and Geology Board to adopt regulations to implement these provisions.
- Mandates that the division compiles specific information about these mines and posts it on its website.
- Orders lead agencies to inspect surface mining operations that are idle or have Idle Reserve Mine Status.
Who It Names or Affects
- Operators of surface mining sites authorized to extract construction aggregate materials but currently idle.
- The Division of Mine Reclamation, which reviews applications for the new status.
- Lead agencies responsible for approving plans and conducting inspections.
- The State Mining and Geology Board, which must create regulations.
Terms To Know
- Idle Reserve Mine Status
- A classification available to idle mines authorized to extract construction aggregate materials that allows for an extended interim management plan if approved by the division and lead agency.
- Interim Management Plan
- A document required from operators when a surface mining operation becomes idle, which normally remains in effect for up to 5 years with possible renewals.
- Construction Aggregate Materials
- Materials defined by law that the mine is authorized to extract; this status applies only to mines extracting these materials.
Limits and Unknowns
- The authorization for Idle Reserve Mine Status expires on January 1, 2036.
- Approval depends on meeting specified conditions defined by the division and lead agency, which are not detailed in this summary.
- Specific details about how inspections will be conducted beyond requiring them to happen are not listed.