2018 US Code
Title 30 - Mineral Lands and Mining
Chapter 25 - Surface Mining Control and Reclamation
Subchapter IV - Abandoned Mine Reclamations
Sec. 1240 - Emergency powers

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Citation 30 U.S.C. § 1240 (2018)
Section Name §1240. Emergency powers
Section Text

(a) The Secretary is authorized to expend moneys from the fund for the emergency restoration, reclamation, abatement, control, or prevention of adverse effects of coal mining practices, on eligible lands, if the Secretary makes a finding of fact that—

(1) an emergency exists constituting a danger to the public health, safety, or general welfare; and

(2) no other person or agency will act expeditiously to restore, reclaim, abate, control, or prevent the adverse effects of coal mining practices.


(b) The Secretary, his agents, employees, and contractors shall have the right to enter upon any land where the emergency exists and any other land to have access to the land where the emergency exists to restore, reclaim, abate, control, or prevent the adverse effects of coal mining practices and to do all things necessary or expedient to protect the public health, safety, or general welfare. Such entry shall be construed as an exercise of the police power and shall not be construed as an act of condemnation of property nor of trespass thereof. The moneys expended for such work and the benefits accruing to any such premises so entered upon shall be chargeable against such land and shall mitigate or offset any claim in or any action brought by any owner of any interest in such premises for any alleged damages by virtue of such entry: Provided, however, That this provision is not intended to create new rights of action or eliminate existing immunities.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 95–87, title IV, §410, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 466.)

Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Title 30 - MINERAL LANDS AND MINING
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 30 - MINERAL LANDS AND MINING
CHAPTER 25 - SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION
SUBCHAPTER IV - ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATIONS
Sec. 1240 - Emergency powers
Contains section 1240
Date 2018
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 14, 2019
Positive Law No
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 91 Stat. 466
Public Law References Public Law 95-87
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