Show Garn seeks review of mining regulations By Oy Sen Jake tarn larn One of or the most explosive issues in state federal relations is the treatment of local land users by Federal agencies The regulations recently proposed by the Bureau of Land Management governing surface mining provide a good example of reason for local concern In early December the proposed a number of effective e until after the upcoming upcoming upcoming up up- coming field season The impact of surface mining The normal day 30 comment period followed publication of the regulations but because of the reaching far effect the regulations would ha have ve on them the mining fining industry and the pre holiday timing the 30 days s 's were extended to 60 I Even ven with the extension news and details of the new rules are now only beginning to reach mine operators in the field In view of the impact these regulations would have on the mining industry In Utah it would be foolish to hurriedly instigate them without studying their total effects I 1 have recommended to the Director of the Bureau of Land Management a three part process which would help heip miners become aware of government thinking and would help the Bureau obtain broader support for its efforts In grief rief I have suggested that 1 before beCore issuing a second set of proposals the Bureau hold a series of discussion meetings in the field with mining and environmental groups and other citizens to give them some idea of the direction is going 2 a second set of proposals then be issued with an adequate formal comment period and then 3 that final regulations follow the formal comment period I have also strongly suggested that any regulations issued this year not become regulations ns which would minimize the adverse en en- regulations are arc now slated to go into effect this spring This timing is extremely Impractical considering the lite current field season Operators are now contracting contracting con cone for men and equipment which will be needed for the summer season Any regulations changing the rules under which they operate would cause incredible confusion if It the regulations were to become effective for this mining year The field season ends in Se September September Sep Sep- and it would be more practical and cost effective if it the changes were initiated October 1 1 That date would provide ample lead time for familiarization and adjustment Surface mining and environmental environmental en en- conservation are not by nature good bedfellows But it is possible to operate a successful surface mining operation while taking precautions to protect the environment en en- Implementation of the new regulations will require a great amount of cooperation between the Bureau of Land Management the mining industry industry in in- and the public It is only prudent that the listen to the public and to the industry it will regulate and attempt to strike a balance between restrictions and practicality Joint participation in formulating formulating for for- and instituting surface surface sur sur- face mining regulations will wili lead to optimal Use of public lands with the highest standards standards stan stan- dards lards of conservation |