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.

1. (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.

(from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 7909.08)

(Source: P.A. 81-1509.)