AL SB296

Expands the prohibition on surface coal mining operations near Lewis Smith Lake from 1,000 feet to five miles horizontally from the mean high water level, effective January 1, 2010.

Exempts existing surface coal mining operations on January 1, 2010, and mining activities for which a permit has already been issued from the new five-mile restriction.

Maintains until December 31, 2009, the existing 1,000-foot restriction from Lewis Smith Lake's mean high water level and other distance requirements for Little River Canyon and the Little River and its forks.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.