Comments on OSMRE Authority to Waive or Negotiate Reclamation Fees

GAO commented on whether the Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) had authority to waive or negotiate coal mine operators' reclamation fees. GAO held that OSMRE may: (1) compromise a claim for $20,000 or less if aggressive collection efforts have failed and circumstances warrant it under the Claims Collection Standards; (2) not compromise claims exceeding $20,000, but should refer them to the Department of Justice; (3) waive all or part of interest charges, penalties, and processing and handling charges; and (4) under certain circumstances, accept payments in kind in settlement of claims for fees and interest against a debtor.