(a) There is hereby created a Division of Surface Mining Control and Reclamation within the Alabama Surface Mining Commission to enforce the provisions of this article. The division shall have such powers and authority as may be delegated by the director of the commission.
(b)(1) The director shall appoint a chief of the division and shall fix his compensation as an unclassified employee in the state Merit System.
(2) The chief shall be the chief executive officer of the division and shall administer in the name of the division that power and authority delegated to the division by the director. The chief may, with the approval of the director, establish such sections within the division as may be necessary to enforce this article and the rules, regulations and standards promulgated thereunder.
(c) Any books, records, equipment, facilities, notes, accounts receivable, bank accounts, contracts and all property of any kind, tangible or intangible, of the Alabama Surface Mining Reclamation Commission acquired or used in the administration of Article 2, Chapter 16, Title 9, shall be transferred to the reconstituted commission in such manner as the director of the commission deems appropriate. No suit, action, or other proceeding lawfully commenced by or against the Director of the Alabama Surface Mining Reclamation Commission or any other official, officer or employee of the State of Alabama in his official duties under Article 2, Chapter 16, Title 9 shall abate by reason of the taking effect of this article. All power, rights, and duties conferred upon the Alabama Surface Mining Reclamation Commission, its commissioners, director, employees or other officials by Article 2, Chapter 16, Title 9 shall be conferred upon the reconstituted commission as the director may delegate solely for the purposes of winding up, continuing to enforce as may be necessary and concluding all obligations, liabilities, duties, orders, litigation or any other business commenced or incurred under Article 2, Chapter 16, Title 9.
(d) All personnel employed by the Alabama Surface Mining Reclamation Commission shall be transferred to the Alabama Surface Mining Commission.
Last modified: May 3, 2021