Property Ownership

The West Virginia Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act protects surface landowners by:

AProhibiting all coal mining near residential areas
BRequiring surface mining operations to minimize damage, restore the land, and compensate surface owners for certain losses✓ Correct
CGiving surface owners ownership of all coal beneath their land
DRequiring mining companies to purchase surface rights before mining

Explanation

West Virginia's Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (and the federal SMCRA) requires surface coal mining operations to minimize adverse effects on the land, restore mined areas, and compensate surface owners for certain types of damage caused by mining operations.

Related West Virginia Property Ownership Questions

Practice More West Virginia Real Estate Questions

1,500+ questions covering all exam topics. Start free — no signup required.

Take the Free West Virginia Quiz →