IL HB4697

Hearing officers may issue interim orders during permit hearings to allow the Department or applicant to correct or alter the permit or application.

Department must make decisions on surface coal mining permit applications within 60 days of a hearing (if one was held) or 120 days of receiving a complete application (if no hearing was held).

Applicants or affected persons may request a hearing within 30 days of the Department's final permit decision, with the Department required to hold the hearing within 30 days of the request.

Hearing notice must be published in newspapers of general circulation in affected counties 7-14 days before the hearing, in at least one-eighth page size with twelve-point minimum type enclosed in a black border.

If final action does not occur within prescribed timeframes, the applicant may deem the application denied, constituting final agency action.