View all text of Subchapter II [§ 201 - § 209]
§ 208–1. Exploratory program for evaluation of known recoverable coal resources
(a) Authorization; purpose
The Secretary is authorized and directed to conduct a comprehensive exploratory program designed to obtain sufficient data and information to evaluate the extent, location, and potential for developing the known recoverable coal resources within the coal lands subject to this chapter. This program shall be designed to obtain the resource information necessary for determining whether commercial quantities of coal are present and the geographical extent of the coal fields and for estimating the amount of such coal which is recoverable by deep mining operations and the amount of such coal which is recoverable by surface mining operations in order to provide a basis for—
(1) developing a comprehensive land use plan pursuant to section 2;
(2) improving the information regarding the value of public resources and revenues which should be expected from leasing;
(3) increasing competition among producers of coal, or products derived from the conversion of coal, by providing data and information to all potential bidders equally and equitably;
(4) providing the public with information on the nature of the coal deposits and the associated stratum and the value of the public resources being offered for sale; and
(5) providing the basis for the assessment of the amount of coal deposits in those lands subject to this chapter under subparagraph (B) of section 201(a)(3) of this title.
(b) Seismic, geophysical, geochemical or stratigraphic drilling
(c) Exploratory drilling by party not under contract to United States; confidentiality of information prior to award of lease
(d) Availability to public of all data, information, maps, surveys; confidentiality of information purchased from commercial sources not under contract to United States prior to award of lease
(e) Information or data from Federal departments or agencies; confidentiality of proprietary information or data; utilization of Federal departments and agencies by agreement
(f) Publication of geological and geophysical maps and reports of lands offered for lease
(g) Implementation plan for coal lands exploration program; development and transmittal to Congress; contents
(h) Stratigraphic drilling; scope; statement of results
(Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, § 8A, as added Pub. L. 94–377, § 7, Aug. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1087.)