ELR Citation: ELR 20113
No(s). s. 79-2073, -2116 (D.C. Cir. Jan 18, 1980)

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the denial of a preliminary injunction, 9 ELR 20720, against implementation of the Interior Department's final regulations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Industry and state appellants had challenged the part of the regulations that specified the minimum information that state regulatory authorities must require in permit applications, arguing that the SMCRA gives the states latitude to determine what information they require under their own permit programs. The court concludes that the lower court did not abuse its discretion in denying the preliminary injunction. Because of the heavy burden on appellants in complying with the regulations, however, the court of appeals urges the lower court to reach a decision on the merits expeditiously.

Counsel for Appellants
Warner W. Gardner, I. Michael Greenberger
Shea & Gardner
1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036
(202) 828-2000

John A. Macleod, Richard McMillan, Jr.
Crowell & Moring
1100 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036
(202) 452-5800

Harvey M. Sheldon, Special Counsel, State of Illinois
Nisen, Elliott & Meier
Suite 2300, One N. LaSalle St., Chicago IL 60602
(312) 346-7800

Roger L. Chaffee, Ass't Attorney General
Supreme Court Bldg., Richmond VA 23219
(804) 786-2071

Stuart Philip Ross
Hogan & Hartson
815 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20006
(202) 331-4500

Counsel for Appellee
Michael A. McCord; James W. Moorman, Ass't Attorney General; Carl Strass
Land and Natural Resources Division
Department of Justice, Washington DC 20530
(202) 633-2774

Before TAMM and MACKINNON, Circuit Judges, and HAROLD GREENE,^* U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia.