Murkowski: Interior’s mining overhaul needs Capitol Hill sign-off

Interior, however, argues it has the legal authority for the move.

“The Secretary has authority to oversee and manage the Department of the Interior in a manner that best fulfills its roles and responsibilities. Any change in the organization of the Department would comport with all applicable legal requirements,” a department summary of the plan states.

It adds that “If implemented, the integration would ensure that OSM will continue to carry out all statutory duties and obligations under the [Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act].”

But Murkowski is skeptical. “OSM was specifically established as a separate entity, reporting directly to the Interior Secretary, to protect its independence as a regulatory body. I want to make sure that’s protected,” she said.