Department of the Interior June 16, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), we, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), plan to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of possibly revising our regulations pertaining to excess spoil generation and disposal and stream buffer zones. On January 7, 2004, we published in the Federal Register proposed changes to regulations regarding excess spoil disposal, the stream buffer zone, and corresponding changes to the stream diversion regulations. We have subsequently determined that preparation of an EIS would be an appropriate mechanism to fully assess alternative approaches to these specific proposed actions and their potential impacts. By this notice, we are announcing our intent to prepare an EIS on this rulemaking initiative and are asking for your help in identifying the significant issues and specific alternatives related to the proposed action.

This order partially revokes Public Land Order No. 1176 insofar as it affects 99.35 acres of National Forest System land withdrawn for the Forest Service as an administrative site. This action will open the land to such forms of disposition as may by law be authorized on National Forest System land and to mining. The land has been and remains open to mineral leasing.

Under the provisions of Pub. L. 97-451, Benson-Montin-Greer timely filed a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease NMNM 009954 for lands in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, and it was accompanied by all required rentals and royalties accruing from August 1, 2004, the date of termination.