C.R.S. Section 34-33-102
Legislative declaration

It is declared to be the policy of this state that surface coal mining operations and the reclamation of land affected by such operations are both necessary and proper activities. The purpose of this article is to assure that the coal required for local and national energy needs and for economic and social well-being is provided and to provide a balance among the protection of the environment, agricultural productivity, and the need for coal as an essential source of energy. It is the intent of the general assembly by the enactment of this article to allow for the continued development of the surface coal mining operations in this state, while requiring those persons involved in surface coal mining operations to reclaim land affected by such operations as contemporaneously as possible with the surface coal mining operations so that the affected land may be put to a beneficial use. It is the further intent of the general assembly by the enactment of this article to protect society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal mining operations, assure that the rights of surface landowners and other persons with a legal interest in the land or appurtenances thereto are fully protected from such operations; assure that surface coal mining operations are not conducted where reclamation as required by this article is not feasible; and to assure that appropriate procedures are provided for the public participation in the development, revision, and enforcement of regulations, standards, reclamation plans, or programs established by the state under this article. It is the further intent of the general assembly to promote the reclamation of mined areas left without adequate reclamation prior to the enactment of this article and which continue, in their unreclaimed condition, to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, prevent or damage the beneficial use of land or water resources, or endanger the health or safety of the public, to aid in the protection of wildlife and aquatic resources, and to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state. It is the intent of the general assembly that, in the administration of this article, the small operator be assisted in complying with the provisions of this article, particularly in the areas of bonding, technical and administrative assistance, and timely processing of permit applications.

Source: Section 34-33-102 — Legislative declaration, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-34.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

34‑33‑101
Short title 34‑33‑102
Legislative declaration 34‑33‑103
Definitions 34‑33‑104
Administration 34‑33‑105
Jurisdiction of office and board 34‑33‑106
Additional duties of division 34‑33‑107
Powers of department 34‑33‑108
Rules and regulations - no more stringent 34‑33‑109
Permits 34‑33‑110
Application for permit 34‑33‑111
Reclamation plan requirements 34‑33‑112
Small operator assistance 34‑33‑113
Performance bonds 34‑33‑114
Permit approval or denial 34‑33‑115
Revision of permit 34‑33‑116
Technical revision of permit - regulations 34‑33‑117
Coal exploration permit - regulations 34‑33‑118
Public notice and public hearings on complete applications 34‑33‑119
Permit application decisions of the office - appeals 34‑33‑120
Environmental protection performance standards - regulations 34‑33‑121
Surface effects of underground coal mining 34‑33‑122
Inspections and monitoring 34‑33‑123
Enforcement - civil and criminal penalties 34‑33‑124
Review by board 34‑33‑125
Release of performance bonds or deposits 34‑33‑126
Designating areas unsuitable for surface coal mining 34‑33‑127
Public agencies, public utilities, and public corporations 34‑33‑128
Judicial review 34‑33‑129
Surface coal mining operations not subject to this article 34‑33‑130
Data inventory 34‑33‑131
Informal opinion as to alluvial valley floors 34‑33‑132
Special coordination and review process - site-specific agreements 34‑33‑133
Abandoned mine reclamation plan 34‑33‑133.5
Colorado mine subsidence protection program - rules 34‑33‑134
Experimental practices 34‑33‑135
Civil actions 34‑33‑136
Water rights 34‑33‑137
Reservation clause
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 34-33-102’s source at colorado​.gov