​​​​​​​​​​​The health of the environment is always analyzed prior to mining through baseline monitoring and analysis.  Then, based upon proven engineering principles, data, and experience, engineers can prepare mine plans that eliminate and/or minimize the impacts of mining and if impacts are to occur, mine planning must mitigate those impacts.  And, again before any mining begins, the post-mine land use of the land must be addressed in such a way that the operator restore the land to a condition capable of supporting the uses it could support prior to mining, or to “higher or better uses”.  Congress spelled out its intent to balance the impact on the environment and the right of the landowner to recognize the value of the coal resource in the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.  Essentially, Congress recognized the principle of multi-use of the land by allowing surface mining practices to occur, but under stringent regulations.  Congress clearly did not intend to outlaw surface mining in 1977 or through SMCRAs implementing regulations.