Maryland Environment Section 15-502

      This subtitle is an exercise of the police powers of the State for the general welfare of the people, by providing for the protection and conservation of the natural resources of the State and the improvement of areas of land and communities affected in the mining of bituminous coal by the open-pit, strip mining, or auger mining method. Its purpose is:

            (1)      To aid in the protection of wildlife and restore these lands to productive purposes while decreasing soil erosion;

            (2)      To aid in preventing pollution of rivers and streams;

            (3)      To prevent combustion of unmined coal;

            (4)      To provide for reclamation of the stripped areas;

            (5)      To improve generally the use and enjoyment of these lands; and

            (6)      To improve generally the health, welfare, and living conditions in the communities and counties in which coal mining is an important industry.