The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975: idle reserve mine status.

Assembly Member Carrillo's surface mining legislation creates a new "Idle Reserve Mine Status" designation allowing construction aggregate operations to extend their idle periods while maintaining environmental safeguards. Under the bill, qualifying idle mines can apply to the Division of Mine Reclamation for this status, potentially extending their interim management plans by up to 10 additional years beyond current maximums.

The legislation establishes specific eligibility criteria for this status, requiring operations to demonstrate sufficient reserves for future infrastructure needs, operate on non-federal land, and obtain approval through a defined application process. The Division may approve up to 12 applications per fiscal year. Operators granted this status must maintain their financial assurances for eventual reclamation and continue regular environmental inspections.

To enhance transparency, the Division must publish annual reports detailing the status of active, idle, and reserved mines, including their operational history, compliance status, and transitions between different operational states. The bill maintains existing requirements for regular site inspections and environmental monitoring, extending these obligations to mines in the new reserved status. These provisions remain in effect until January 1, 2036, after which mines with approved reserve status may maintain it only for their remaining authorized renewal period.