Sec. 134.014. COAL EXPLORATION OPERATIONS. (a) A person who conducts coal exploration operations that substantially disturb the natural land surface shall comply with commission rules adopted to govern those operations. The rules shall require that before conducting the exploration, a person file with the commission notice of intent to explore and include with the notice:

(1) a description of the exploration area and the period of proposed exploration; and

(2) provisions for reclaiming, in accordance with the performance standards in Sections 134.091 through 134.109, the land disturbed in exploration, including provisions for reclamation of excavations, roads, and drill holes and for removal of necessary facilities and equipment.

(b) A person who conducts coal exploration operations that substantially disturb the natural land surface in violation of this section or a rule adopted under this section is subject to Sections 134.174 through 134.181.

(c) An operator may not remove more than 250 tons of coal under an exploration permit without the specific written approval of the commission.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 12.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 25.01(d), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.