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Panel Weighs Tradeoffs of Raising Surface‑mine Permit Threshold from 3 to 7 Acres
Summary
HB 2454 would raise the acreage threshold for DNR surface-mine permits from more than 3 acres to more than 7 acres. Supporters said the change eases burdens on small producers; DNR experts warned it could allow larger sites to avoid geotechnical review and pose disproportionate environmental impacts.
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee took testimony on HB 2454 on Jan. 23, which would change the Surface Mining Act’s acreage threshold so sites with 7 acres or less of disturbance (instead of the current 3 acres) generally would not need a state reclamation permit.
Representative Andrew Engel, the bill’s sponsor, said the change aims to help small gravel‑pit operators who face fees and permitting costs he…
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