OSMRE Presents Texas with the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award for Small Project

WASHINGTON - The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, or OSMRE, has awarded the 2026 Small Project Award to the Railroad Commission of Texas' or RRC, Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, for exemplary reclamation work in Wise County. The award was presented to Texas by OSMRE Deputy Director Tom Shope during the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation, AML, Programs conference in Park City, Utah, on Sept. 21st.

"Through the hard work of our State and Tribal partners, former mine lands are being transformed by addressing health and safety hazards and creating new opportunities for communities. These awards demonstrate what is possible when we invest in the revitalization of former coal communities," said Shope.

The RRC's Surface Mining and Reclamation Division reclaimed an abandoned mine portal beneath a residence in Bridgeport, Texas, after shifting underground mine conditions and stormwater runoff contributed to a collapse and damage to nearby sewer lines. The Wise Richey Abandoned Mine Land Emergency Project began February 18, 2026, and was completed March 6, 2026.

"This project exemplifies our commitment to protecting the safety of Texans and the environment while fulfilling the goals of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act," said RRC Executive Director Wei Wang. "By addressing critical health and safety risks, improving environmental conditions and engaging the local community, this effort demonstrates the meaningful impact our work can have on the people and places we serve. We are proud to accept this award and appreciate OSMRE for the opportunity."

The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards, established in 1992, recognize exemplary state and Tribal reclamation projects that reclaim coal mine sites abandoned prior to the signing of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

Texas is one of five recipients of the 2026 Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Awards recognizing reclamation excellence. The national award is presented to the State or Tribe with the highest scoring overall reclamation project. The small project award is presented to the State or Tribe that receives less than $6 million annually in AML fee-based funding that has the highest scoring project costing less than $1 million. Regional awards are presented to the State or Tribe with the highest scoring project within each of the following regions: Appalachian States, Interior States, and Western States and Tribes.

Other Award-Winning Reclamation Programs

National Award
Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program, Thaynes and Silver King Shaft Safeguard and Stabilization Project; Park City, Summit County, Utah

Regional Awards

Appalachian States Award
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection - Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation; Forest City East - Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Access Project; Susquehanna and Wayne Counties

Interior States Award
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Mines and Minerals Bureau, BOS AML Reclamation Project (IA-172); Wapello County, Iowa

Western States and Tribes Award
Montana Department of Environmental Quality - Superfund, AML and Construction Bureau; Belt Water Treatment Plant; Belt, Montana

To learn about these award-winning projects, visit AML Reclamation Awards.