Pennsylvania Code
Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part I - Department of Environmental Protection
Subpart A - Preliminary Provisions
Article I - Administrative Provisions
Chapter 9 - ENVIRONMENTAL MASTER PLAN
Subchapter B - POLICIES FOR CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES FOR COAL RESOURCES
Section 9.142 - Historic degradation

(a) The historic legacy of previous coal mining activities in the Commonwealth is one of destruction and devastation. The cost to reclaim the total damage to the environment is not known. Estimates to eliminate the major problems indicate over several billion dollars will be necessary. Although this burden will also be carried by future generations, the renewed interest in coal may provide new opportunities to undertake a larger reclamation program.

(b) It shall be the environmental policy of the Commonwealth to encourage strongly additional Federal, State and private activities directed to the abatement of environmental pollution and the restoration of the environment in any areas degraded by previous coal mining activities.