Effective date.

This article shall become effective immediately upon:

(1) Its passage and approval by the Governor, or upon its otherwise becoming a law; and

(2) Upon the approval of the state regulatory program by the Secretary of Interior pursuant to Section 503 of P. L. 95-87, 30 U.S.C. §1253 (1977). However upon the passage and approval by the Governor of this article, or upon its otherwise becoming a law the Alabama Surface Mining Commission shall have the authority to promulgate those regulations necessary for the state to retain exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations pursuant to Section 503 of Public Law 95-87, 30 U.S.C. §1253 et seq. Any proceedings currently being taken or previously taken by the Alabama Surface Mining Reclamation Commission for the purpose of promulgating the necessary regulations shall be continued and considered actions of the reconstituted commission.

(Acts 1981, No. 81-435, p. 682, §40.)