Bill > SB181

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for underground limestone and dolomite mining in Ohio while also increasing certain severance taxes. The legislation creates a new permitting system for underground minerals mining, requiring operators to obtain permits, submit detailed mining plans, and adhere to strict safety and environmental standards. Key provisions include mandating a permit application process, establishing performance standards for underground mining, requiring annual and final reports, and implementing safety protocols such as roof control systems and subsidence investigation procedures. The bill increases the severance tax rate for limestone and dolomite from two cents to two and a half cents per ton, with an additional one-fourth of one cent per ton for underground mining methods. The tax revenue will be credited to a new underground minerals mining fund. The legislation also requires operators to provide financial assurance, maintain insurance, and follow specific guidelines for mine development, explosives use, and mine closure. Additionally, the bill directs the Division of Mineral Resources Management to conduct a study on centralized safety education and training and allows the division to use a portion of increased tax revenues to address hydrology modeling requests for three years.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb181