(a) It is the intention of the General Assembly to provide for the restoration of State waters affected by pollution from any abandoned mine to the quality necessary to support fish and other aquatic life, recreation, and other beneficial purposes. To accomplish this objective, the Secretary may acquire and rehabilitate land occupied or degraded by any abandoned deep or strip mine to prevent the land from contributing to water pollution and take whatever other measures are necessary to prevent, control, and abate water pollution from any abandoned mining area.

(b) The Secretary may promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.