2011-12-06_REVISION - C1981019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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�W Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC 1.2 Purpose and Need for Action The proposed action is to approve and issue a federal coal lease for approximately 1,407 acres of federal lands administered by the BLM pursuant to ColoWyo's March 2005 lease application, as subsequently modified on January 10, 2006. The purpose and need for the proposed action are to make the coal resources available for extraction and beneficial use consistent with applicable provisions of: • The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 • The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 as amended by Sections 2 and 3 of the Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1976 • The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) • BLM Coal Regulations found at 43 CFR 3400 • The Little Snake Resource Area, Resource Management Plan and Record of Decision (1989) • The Green River -Hams Fork Regional Coal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 1984 ColoWyo applied for the subject coal lease to replace existing surface mined production as those reserves are exhausted. ColoWyo estimates that there exists within this lease application area approximately 130 million tons of in- place, low - sulfur coal from the X, B, C, D, E, F, and G seams. Development of this coal reserve would extend the life of the current operation, generating additional federal, state, and county tax revenues. Utility markets for low - sulfur coal are expected to continue strong demand as the Phase II emission standards of the Clean Air Act are enforced on coal -fired generating stations located in mid - western and eastern states. ColoWyo believes that the fuel quality of the coal reserve underlying the lease tract will maintain its attractiveness to electric utilities. ColoWyo's history of successful operations and the existence of rail transport facilities, extensive mining support infrastructure, and a mining -based economy in the area suggest continued success of surface coal mining in this area. 1.3 Authorizing Actions The United States Department of the Interior, through the BLM, conducts leasing of federal coal resources to assure adequate coal supplies are available to meet long -term national energy requirements. The BLM has the responsibility and authority to determine if a coal lease is to be issued for the proposed lease area. 1.4 Agency Responsibilities The proposed federal coal leasing and the planned surface mining and related activities will be designed to effect full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Specifically, coal lease acquisition and management must comply with applicable land management regulations and guidelines of the BLM. Additionally, any mining plan application that may result from BLM's leasing decision must adhere to applicable regulations and guidelines set forth by the Office of Surface Mining P •PROJt :Colcm 0188 EA Final•BLM -+.FA ('.dlom418 01 nb.dnc 2