Mining Rules - attend Rules Review Committee hearing and opportunity to help deliver a public comment

The NC Rules Review Committee will be evaluating the proposed Mining Rules created by the NC Mining Commission.

We need several people to attend in person even though there is an online option. Attendance is important to show support the the proposed rules are not acceptable as they gut the few protections that remain in the Mining Act. The proposed rules eliminate general public comments, protective buffers, allow for low level DEQ staff to approve mining permits and changes to permits, and more.

We are striving for 5 speakers to help relay the Umstead Coalition's recommendations. Text for the comment can be provided to you. Please add a comment below if willing to help. You can also sign up to give your own comments. Sign up for speaking public comments is due by 5pm on Tuesday, 28Jul26. To sign up to speak, send and email to: [christopher.miller@oah.nc.gov](mailto:christopher.miller@oah.nc.gov)

The Rules Review Committee can object if a proposed Rule if it exceeds the authority given by the Mining Law to DEQ, is unclear, and against public interest (but not just because we or they don't like a Rule).

We want to fill the (small) room with folks to show interest. Just come and take a seat. Meeting starts at 10am, but best to arrive early to get a seat. We anticipate that our part will begin very early in the meeting.

There is plenty of free surface parking. Overflow parking in a nearby shopping center.

This is the link to the meeting agenda:
https://www.oah.nc.gov/news/events/rrc-meeting-agenda-july-2026

DEADLINE sign-up to speak is Tuesday, July 28 5pm
Send e-mail to Sign up to speak: [christopher.miller@oah.nc.gov](mailto:christopher.miller@oah.nc.gov)