PUBLIC LAW 95-87—AUG. 3, 1977
91 STAT. M 9
(k) encourage the full utilization of coal resources through the development and application of underground extraction technologies; (1) stimulate, sponsor, provide for and/or supplement present programs for the conduct of research investigations, experiments, and demonstrations, in the exploration, extraction, processing, development, and production of minerals and the training of mineral engineers and scientists in the field of mining, minerals resources, and technology, and the establishment of an appropriate research and training center in various States; and (m) wherever necessary, exercise the full reach of Federal constitutional powers to insure the protection of the public interest through effective control of surface coal mining operations. TITLE II—OFFICE OF SUEFACE MINING KECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT CREATION OF THE OFFICE
SEC. 201. (a) There is established in the Department of the Interior, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (hereinafter referred to as the "Office"). (b) The Office shall have a Director who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be compensated at the rate provided for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of the United States Code, and such other employees as may be required. Pursuant to section 5108, title 5, and after consultation with the Secretary, a majority of members of the Civil Service Commission shall determine the necessary number of positions in general schedule employees in grade 16, 17, and 18 to perform functions of this title and shall allocate such positions to the Secretary. The Director shall have the responsibilities provided under subsection (c) of this section and those duties and responsibilities relating to the functions of the Office which the Secretary may assign, consistent with this Act. Employees of the Office shall be recruited on the basis of their professional competence and capacity to administer the provisions of this Act. The Office may use, on a reimbursable basis when appropriate, employees of the Department and other Federal agencies to administer the provisions of this Act, providing that no legal authority, program, or function in any Federal agency which has as its purpose promoting the development or use of coal or other mineral resources or regulating the health and safety of miners under provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 (83 Stat. 742), shall be transferred to the Office. (c) The Secretary, acting through the Office, shall— (1) administer the programs for controlling surface coal mining operations which are required by this Act; review and approve or disapprove State programs for controlling surface coal mining operations and reclaiming abandoned mined lands; make those investigations and inspections necessary to insure compliance with this Act; conduct hearings, administer oaths, issue subpenas, and compel the attendance of witnesses and production of written or printed material as provided for in this Act; issue cease-and-desist orders; review and vacate or modify or approve orders and decisions; and order the suspension, revocation, or withholding of any permit for failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
Establishment.
30 USC 1211. Director.
5 USC 5315.
5 USC 5332 note,
30 USC 801 note.
�
