The Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining yesterday released its final "ten-day notice" rule, reversing a Biden-era rule concerning federal government intervention on safety issues at coal mines. The rule reverts to language that was used prior to the Biden administration requiring federal regulators to work with the states before issuing violations or taking enforcement actions. It's an important action because it restores the system that respects state primacy, while maintaining appropriate federal oversight.

In a separate move yesterday aimed at restoring the appropriate federal/state balance, the DOI signed an agreement with West Virginia regulators, giving the state increased authority to regulate its coal mining and reclamation. In inking the agreement, Secretary Burgun said, in part, "By empowering West Virginia to take the lead, we're streamlining regulations, boosting certainty for coal producers and supporting jobs and investment that strengthen our economy and energy security." Interior has similar agreements with a dozen other states.

And finally, because not a day goes by without a critical minerals deal, the US has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan to secure access to that country's mineral resources. The "Joint Investment Framework" prioritize investments across the mineral value chain including exploration, extraction and processing, and proposes a new US–Uzbekistan Joint Investment Holding Company for future minerals and infrastructure projects.