Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation (AMLR)

The objectives of the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program are defined in the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) is the protection of public health, safety, and property from extreme danger of adverse effects of coal mining prac

AML Grants are awarded to eligible coal-producing States and Tribes to support the operation of an approved State or Tribal AML reclamation program. Approved programs use grant funds for the restoration of eligible lands and waters mined and abandoned or left inadequately restored. Most of the lands and water eligible for reclamation under this authority are those which were mined or affected by mining and abandoned or left in an inadequate reclamation status prior to August 3, 1977, and for which there is no continuing reclamation responsibility under State or other Federal laws. A limited number of legacy sites mined after August 3, 1977, and abandoned before November 5, 1990, for which the surety bonds responsible for the reclamation of the site became insolvent.

The AML program is restricted to States with an approved coal mining regulatory program, lands eligible for reclamation, and active coal mining operations within their borders that are paying coal reclamation fees into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; and to federally recognized Tribes with eligible lands, and active mining operations paying fees into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.

State, Local Citizens and the general public are protected from physical hazards and benefit from the reclamation of abandoned mine lands and polluted waters by reducing exposure to safety and health risks.

Environment (water, air, solid waste, pesticides, radiation), Natural Resources (mineral, water, wildlife, land). The regional office must act upon a grant application within 60 days of submittal of a complete application (An exception is for certified States that submit AML grant applications in which OSM must complete its review within 30 days). All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the notice of funding opportunity, program regulations and statutes. All timely submitted and qualified proposals are reviewed by an OSM program and financial assistance official. The OSM Field Directors or designee approves and awards cooperative agreements for this program. If the application is not approved, the regional office will provide the reasons for disapproval in writing. All approved grants will be awarded using GrantSolutions and recipient payments will be made using the Automated Standard Applications for Payments (ASAP) system.

AML: Restrictions can be referenced in the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Public Law 95-87, as amended, 91 Stat. 445-532, and Public Law 116-6 and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260).

AML and AMLER Grant periods are variable; however, funds for reclamation construction activities should normally be expended within three years after award. IIJA AML grants will be limited to a 5-year period of performance. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: All grants will be released and awarded using GrantSolutions and recipient payments will be made using the Automated Standard Applications for payments system.

Environmental clearance actions for each individual reclamation project are completed as part of the recipient's request for OSM's approval of the Authorization to proceed, which is the point of federal action for that reclamation project.

Selection criteria are outlined in Section 403 and 411 of Public Law 95-87, cited Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program regulations, and approved state/tribal reclamation plans. States and Indian tribes must have an approved SMCRA regulatory (Title V) program and an approved reclamation (Title IV) program to be eligible to receive mandatory AML funding.

The regional office must act upon a grant application within 60 days of submittal of a complete application (An exception is for certified States that submit AML grant applications in which OSM must complete its review within 30 days). All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated notice of funding opportunity. All timely submitted and qualified proposals are reviewed by an OSM selection panel. Applications will be rated based on established criteria used to evaluate merit as outlined in Notice of Funding Opportunity. The OSM Field Directors or his/her designee approves and awards cooperative agreements for this program. If the application is not approved, the regional office must provide the reasons for disapproval in writing.

Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines

Renewals are not applicable; each recipient grantee may apply for non-funded extensions of time as necessary to complete the project up to one year.

An applicant may appeal the OSM decision not to approve a grant or to reduce or terminate a grant to the Director, OSM, no later than 30 days after the disapproval action.