In 2025, OSM worked alongside states and tribes to deliver measurable progress in strengthening domestic energy security and upholding environmental stewardship. Through a combination of streamlined reviews, targeted regulatory modernization, and sustained partnership, OSM continues to remove production barriers and ensure oversight tools remain practical and effective.
“Our 2025 achievements reflect what OSM does best: working side-by-side with states and tribes to deliver real outcomes for our nation,” said OSM Director Lanny E. Erdos. “By streamlining processes and modernizing outdated requirements, we’re supporting responsible domestic coal production while upholding strong oversight to keep environmental stewardship at the center of our work.
By the Numbers: 2025 Highlights
In 2025, OSM achieved measurable progress through the:
- Approval of 6 mining plan expansions that unlocked 128.5 million tons of federal coal.
- Removal of 14 obsolete or redundant regulations.
- Publication of 9 state program amendments.
Expanding Access to Domestic Coal Resources
In 2025, OSM approved six mining plan expansions that collectively unlocked approximately 128.5 million tons of federal coal. These approvals reflect a balanced approach through streamlined reviews and close coordination with state and federal partners. These mining plan decisions advance energy security while meeting OSM’s statutory and environmental requirements.
For more on these mining plan approvals and actions:
- Wyoming’s Black Butte Mine Expansion Approved, Extending Operations Through 2039 | U.S. Department of the Interior
- Interior Approves Mining Plan to Unlock 14.5 Million Tons of Coal at Antelope Mine | U.S. Department of the Interior
- Interior Department Approves Coal Mine Expansion in Montana, Supporting American Energy and Jobs | U.S. Department of the Interior
- Interior Approves Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification | U.S. Department of the Interior
- Federal Mining Plan Modification for Spring Creek Mine Approved | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Regulatory Modernization: Cutting Red Tape and Restoring Clarity
In 2025, OSM advanced a commonsense deregulatory agenda focused on eliminating rules that were obsolete, duplicative, or no longer aligned with efficient implementation of SMCRA. By removing 14 outdated regulations, OSM is ensuring program resources are directed toward outcomes that provide on-the-ground results and supports America’s need for increased energy production.
Streamlined Oversight: Approving Amendments that Support Effective State Programs
OSM also supported cooperative federalism by moving forward 9 state program amendments. These actions reinforce a balanced approach: strong state leadership supported through clear and efficient federal review. Advancing program amendments remains a focused priority for the OSM.
Investing in Reclamation and Economic Revitalization Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation
In FY2025, OSM administered significant investments to address legacy mining hazards while supporting economic revitalization in coal-producing communities.
- More than $119 million in abandoned mine land fee-based grants were made available to eligible states and tribes to improve public safety, restore land and water resources, and support local economies.
- Nearly $725 million was announced to reclaim abandoned coal mines and restore opportunity in historic coal communities, which provides robust support to state- and tribal-led efforts to eliminate hazards and repurpose former mine lands.
Since 1977, OSM has distributed more than $8.6 billion in abandoned mine land fee-based grants, helping states and tribes tailor reclamation solutions to local needs while addressing the impacts of past mining.
AMLER: Turning Legacy Lands into Assets
For FY2025, the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program provided $130 million to eligible states and tribes to support projects helping spur job creation and long-term community benefits.
Supporting Coal Miners and Their Families
As required by SMCRA, OSM also continued its statutory responsibility to support health care and pension benefits for eligible coal miners and their beneficiaries. Each year, OSM transfers more than $1 billion to the United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds.
Looking Ahead
In looking at the year ahead, OSM will continue partnering with states, tribes, and federal counterparts to deliver timely reviews and maintain strong environmental safeguards. By continuing this work, OSM helps ensure that coal communities have the tools and certainty they need to support responsible coal mining and reclamation, ensuring America's growing energy needs are met.