CONCLUSION

In summary, let me again touch upon certain points:

1. We support federal surface mining legislation which sets forth broad mandatory criteria for the states to follow in developing the specific regulations. 2. Underground mining is completely unrelated to surface mining and reclamation and should not be included in such legislation.

3. Prohibition is unrealistic because the technology exists to successfully reclaim mined lands and such action would wipe out 44 percent of our coal production at a time when our other domestic fuel sources are rapidly being depleted.

4. Any authority to prohibit surface mining should be restricted to each individual permit application based on a finding that the particular area cannot be adequately reclaimed.

5. Permit federal review of any state prohibition order.

6. Provide for public notice, comment by interested parties, and the recommendation of an advisory committee on any proposed guidelines or regulations. 7. Permit the future planned use of mined lands be determined by the operators.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

TABLE 1.-PRODUCTION OF MINERAL ENERGY RESOURCES AND ELECTRICITY FROM HYDROPOWER AND NUCLEAR POWER IN THE UNITED STATES

TABLE 5.-U.S. PRODUCTION OF DEEP AND SURFACE-MINED BITUMINOUS COAL AND LIGNITE, 1969 AND 1970

TABLE 6.-U.S. PRODUCTION OF DEEP AND SURFACE-MINED COAL, BY STATE,

TABLE 6.-U.S. PRODUCTION OF DEEP AND SURFACE-MINED COAL, BY STATE,
1940, 1950, 1960, 1965-70—Continued