762.13—Land exempt from designation as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations.

The requirements of this part do not apply to—

(a) Lands on which surface coal mining operations were being conducted on the date of enactment of the Act;

(b) Lands covered by a permit issued under the Act; or

(c) Lands where substantial legal and financial commitments in surface coal mining operations were in existence prior to January 4, 1977.

CFR