Texas Railroad Commission Proposes Excise Tax Regulations on Coal Mining, Reclamation Operations, Permits, Exploration Procedures

The Texas Railroad Commission (RCC) Nov. 6 proposed excise tax regulations on coal mining and reclamation operations, permits, and coal exploration procedures systems. The proposal includes measures to: 1) add definitions, including professional engineer and professional geoscientist; 2) amend permit application filing deadlines and fees; 3) require persons conducting surface mining activities to submit to the RRC a written notice of intent to permanently cease and abandon mining operations when it’s finalized; and 4) set the annual fee for each acre of land within a permit area covered by a reclamation bond on Dec. 31 of a year based on ...