106 STAT. 3102 PUBLIC LAW 102-486—OCT. 24, 1992 consequences. Utilizing the information developed b^ the Secretary, together with information developed in connection with other related programs carried out by other Federal agencies, the Secretary, acting through the United States Cxeological Survey, may also enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with any public or private entity to provide assistance to any such entity to enable such entity to carry out additional projecto with respect to the utilization of hot diy rock geothermal energy resources which will further the purposes of this section. (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. —There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necesary to carry out this section. SEC. 2602. HOT DRY ROCK GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN EASTERN UNITED STATES. The United States Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Secretary of Energy, shall convene a workshop of interested governmental and private parties to discuss the regional potential for hot dry rock geothermal energy in the Eastern United Stotes. The purpose of the workshop shall be to review the stotus of recoveraoility of hot dry rock energy in the Eastern United Stotes and to determine what geologic, technological, and economic obstocles need to be overcome to make the utilization of hot dry Reports. rock energy feasible. The workshop shall be convened within 6 months after enactment of this Act and the Unitod Stotos Geological Survey shall submit a report to Conj?ress within 6 months after the workshop containing a summary of the findings and conclusions of the workshop. SEC. 2508. COAL REMINING. (a) MODIFICATION OF PROHIBITION.—Section 510 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1260) is amended by adding the following new subsection at the end thereof: "(e) MODIFICATION OF PROHIBITION. —After the date of enactment of this subsection, the prohibition of subsection (c) shall not apply to a permit application due to any violation resulting from an unanticipated event or condition at a surface coal mining operation on lands eligible for remining under a permit held by the person making such application. As used in this subsection, the term Sdolation' has the same meaning as such term has under subsection (c). The authority of this subsection and section 515(b)(20XB) shall terminate on September 30, 2004. ". (b) PERIOD OF RESPONSIBILITY. —Section 515(b)(20) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1265(b)(20)) is amended as follows: (1) Insert "(A)" after "(20)". (2) Add the following new subparagraph at the end thereof: "(B) on lands eligible for remining assume the responsibility for successful revegetotion for a period of two full years after the last year of augmented seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, or other work in order to assure compliance with the applicable standards, except in those areas or regions of the country where the annual average precipitotion is twenty-six inches or less, then the operator's assumption of responsibility and liability will be extended for a period of five lull years after the last year of augmented seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, or
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