August 1, 2025 - A Senate committee approved on Wednesday the White House’s pick to lead the federal government’s coal mine cleanup agency.

The 11-9 vote by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee moves Lanny Erdos’ nomination to lead the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to the Senate floor.

If confirmed, Erdos will be in charge of making sure coal mining is done in an environmentally responsible way. OSMRE also makes sure land is restored to its re-mining use and mitigates the effects of legacy mining.