Coal Mining Debris Rule Is Approved

[one...two...tree 2,762]

WASHINGTON — The White House on Tuesday approved a final rule that will make it easier for coal companies to dump rock and dirt from mountaintop mining operations into nearby streams and valleys.

The rule is one of the most contentious of all the regulations emerging from the White House in President Bush’s last weeks in office.

James L. Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, confirmed in an interview that the rule had been approved by the White House Office of Management and Budget. That clears the way for publication in the Federal Register, the last stage in the rule-making process.

Stephen L. Johnson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, concurred in the rule, first proposed nearly five years ago by the Interior Department, which regulates coal mining.

In a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, dated Tuesday, Mr. Johnson said the rule had been revised to protect fish, wildlife and streams.

Mining activities must comply with water quality standards established by the federal government and the states, Mr. Johnson said.

But a coalition of environmental groups said the rule would accelerate “the destruction of mountains, forests and streams throughout Appalachia.”

Edward C. Hopkins, a policy analyst at the Sierra Club, said: “The E.P.A.’s own scientists have concluded that dumping mining waste into streams devastates downstream water quality. By signing off on this rule, the agency has abdicated its responsibility.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/washingt...ining.html?_r=1

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But a coalition of environmental groups said the rule would accelerate “the destruction of mountains, forests and streams throughout Appalachia.”

Oh, Appalachia. That might as well be in a whole other country

[Heracles 417]

Why would they approve something like this?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The EPA and the CEQ have long since been infiltrated and subverted by industry insiders appointed by Bush.

Another thing that we can thank that idiot for.

[MrsCat 6]

unfreaking believable.

Let me guess the justification. . . . . . It would have been far too costly to expect the mining companies to dispose of the debris properly and in these economic times we really shouldn't stifle business anymore than necessary?!

Edited December 4, 2008 by MrsCat