SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5822

                      AS OF MARCH 1, 1993

Brief Description:  Creating the surface mining reclamation account.

SPONSORS: Senator Fraser; by request of Office of Financial Management

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: March 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Natural Resources now charges a $250 per mine fee each year and these mining fees for surface mining permits are deposited into the general fund.  The general fund receives approximately $226,000 each year.

SUMMARY:

A surface mine reclamation account is created in the State Treasury.  Annual mining fees and funds received by the Department of Natural Resources or for mine regulatory research and all fines collected for surface mining violations are deposited into the account.  The department may use the funds for mining reclamation, to administer the regulatory program required by the Surface Mining Act, to undertake research related to surface mining reclamation, and it may use the funds to cover costs arising from appeals and determinations of the department.  The expenditure from the funds may occur only after appropriation by the Legislature.

New surface mining permit fees shall be $650.  Each operator pays an annual permit fee to the department.  Appeals from a determination by the department shall not mean that the annual permit fee will be waived or delayed.  Beginning on July 1, 1994, fees will be adjusted annually in accordance with the implicit price deflator.  An emergency clause is included.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.