Bill > HB616

This bill amends Montana's mining reclamation laws to allow mining companies to use data modeling as an additional method for demonstrating compliance when seeking the release of performance bonds for strip or underground mines. Specifically, the bill permits operators to include predictive modeling alongside traditional monitoring data when applying for bond release, giving them more flexibility in proving that their reclamation work meets the required standards. The bill allows these alternative methods to be used in various stages of the bond release process, including evaluating reclamation results, determining application acceptability, and assessing factors like soil replacement costs and sediment control. The bill includes a contingent voidness provision, meaning the law would become void if disapproved by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. By expanding the acceptable methods of demonstrating reclamation compliance, the bill aims to provide mining companies with more options for proving they have successfully restored mined lands to their original condition or to an approved alternative land use.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2309