CPASA recently filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the Oklahoma Department of Mines (“ODM”) requesting the ODM change its rules to do the following:

 

1. Require non-coal mining applicants to submit an electronic version of the application along with a hard copy; and

2. Require the ODM to post the electronic version online at the time the applicant publishes notice of its application to the public. 

 

The purpose of CPASA’s request is to promote transparency and make it easier for the public to access the information contained in non-coal mining applications.  Currently, the public must either go to the courthouse in the county of the proposed application or to the ODM’s office in Oklahoma City to view an application.  Obtaining copies of the application are oftentimes difficult and extremely expensive, costing hundreds of dollars for poor quality copies.  

 

The ODM is currently accepting written comments regarding CPASA’s request.  Those comments should be mailed to:

 

Oklahoma Department of Mines

2915 N. Classen Blvd., Ste. 213

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

 

The ODM initially intended to hold a hearing for public comments on April 2, 2020.  However, given the pandemic caused by COVID-19, CPASA agreed with the ODM that the hearing should be postponed.  I will inform you of that date once it is set.  In the meantime, I encourage you to submit comments supporting CPASA’s proposed rule changes!  These are common-sense changes that will not be burdensome on mining applicants, but will be immensely helpful to the public.  A copy of CPASA’s Petition for Rulemaking can be found here.