(225 ILCS 720/Art. IX heading)

(225 ILCS 720/9.01) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.01) Sec. 9.01. Rules. (a) The Department may propose, adopt and promulgate reasonable rules in conformity with this Act. When it proposes or adopts rules the Department shall consider the terrain, the climate and other conditions of this State. Rules shall reflect the distinct differences between surface mining operations and underground mining operations. (b) Any person may file a written petition with the Department proposing the adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule under this Act. Within 90 days after a receipt of a petition, the Department shall initiate a rule-making proceeding under this Section with respect to such proposal, or deny such petition, setting forth in writing the reasons for such denial. (c) No rule adopted shall be retroactive. Any operator shall have the right to proceed with operations under this Act until such rules are adopted and no such rules shall be made applicable to any operations prior to the effective date thereof. (d) In addition to the provisions of this Section, and to the extent consistent with this Section, the provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act apply to the adoption of rules under this Act. (Source: P.A. 90-490, eff. 8-17-97.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.02) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.02) Sec. 9.02. General Duties and Powers. In addition to the duties and powers of the Department prescribed by the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Department shall have full powers and authority to carry out and administer the provisions of this Act. The Department has the power and the duty to act as the regulatory authority for the State of Illinois under the Federal Act, to submit and implement a State program under the Federal Act, and to apply for, accept, receive, receipt for and use for and in behalf of the State such moneys and property as are given or granted under the Federal Act or any other federal law, or from any other lawful public and private source, for the purposes of this Act. (Source: P.A. 81-1015.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.03) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.03) Sec. 9.03. Cooperative agreements. The Department may enter into cooperative agreements with the United States Secretary of the Interior under which the State will regulate mining on Federal lands. (Source: P.A. 81-1015.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.04) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.04) Sec. 9.04. Delegation to other agencies. The Department may delegate responsibilities, other than final action on permits, to other State agencies with the authority and technical expertise to carry out such responsibilities, with the consent of such agencies. The Department may contract with any State officer or agency to administer responsibilities under this Act as may be deemed necessary and appropriate to provide for effective administration hereof, without unreasonable or unnecessary cost or duplication of effort, and taking into account the need to deliver fair and effective governmental service to the interested public. (Source: P.A. 81-1015.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.05) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.05) Sec. 9.05. Coordination with other agencies. The Department shall work with other agencies to coordinate, simplify and expedite the procedures required to obtain permits and approvals from the State for mining operations. (Source: P.A. 81-1015.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.06) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7906.06) Sec. 9.06. Financial Interest. No person employed by the Department performing any function or duty under this Act shall have a direct or indirect financial interest in mining operations in violation of the Federal Act. Whoever knowingly violates the provisions of this Section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $2,500 or by imprisonment of not more than one year, or by both. (Source: P.A. 81-1015.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.07) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.07) Sec. 9.07. Fees and Forfeitures. (a) All fees and civil penalties collected under this Act shall be deposited into the Coal Mining Regulatory Fund in the State Treasury. (b) All forfeitures collected under the provisions of this Act shall be deposited in the reclamation fund to be used for the purposes for which the bond was issued under Article VI. (Source: P.A. 88-599, eff. 9-1-94.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.08) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.08) Sec. 9.08. Transition. The Department shall provide for the orderly transition from "The Surface-Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act", approved September 17, 1971, as amended, to this Act. Such rules shall as a minimum provide for temporary permit procedures, filing and application schedules and requirements, and time limits different from those set forth in this Act and which satisfy the requirements of the Federal Act and Regulations, for transition from the initial regulatory program to the permanent program. Such rules shall provide for the continued validity of permits and bonds issued under "The Surface-Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act", approved September 17, 1971, as amended, in a manner which satisfies the requirements of the Federal Act and Regulations, and may provide for delay in the applicability of any provisions of this Act to mining and reclamation operations to the extent required if the State program is not approved under the Federal Act. (b) To the extent consistent with this Act, all bonds, plans, duties and requirements pursuant to "The Open Cut Land Reclamation Act", approved August 10, 1961, as amended, "The Surface-Mined Land Reclamation Act", approved April 6, 1967, as amended, and "The Surface-Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act", approved September 17, 1971, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect with respect to mining commenced prior to the effective date of this Act. (Source: P.A. 81-1509.)

(225 ILCS 720/9.09) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.09) Sec. 9.09. This Act takes effect on June 1, 1980. (Source: P.A. 81-1015.)