LONGWALL COAL MINING

Amends the Coal Mining Act. Requires an owner or operator to file a notice of intent to commence longwall coal mining with the Department of Natural Resources prior to commencing longwall coal mining. Provides that the notice of intent must be filed with the Department at least 60 calendar days prior to the anticipated date of commencing with longwall coal mining and that the filed notice of intent shall remain valid for one year. Sets forth provisions concerning failures to file a notice of intent, administrative hearings, penalties, and orders. Requires the Department within 7 days after receiving a notice of intent to send a copy of the notice to the county board of the county in which the longwall coal mining is proposed and publish a public notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the county. Requires the Department to hold a public informational hearing if the county board requests one within 30 days after receiving a copy of the notice of intent from the Department. Requires the Department to receive evidence at the public informational meeting, by testimony or otherwise, on certain specified subjects or issues. Provides that the county board shall submit within a certain time period an advisory, non-binding recommendation to the Department on the proposed longwall coal mining. Provides that if a public informational meeting is requested, then longwall coal mining may not begin until after the meeting has been held, the Department has reviewed and replied to the county board's recommendation, and the owner or operator has been notified by the Department that all applicable requirements have been met. Defines "longwall coal mining" and "owner or operator". Makes other changes.