The Office of Surface Mining has proposed a new Stream Protection Rule that could protect more than 6,000 miles of streams from the impacts of both surface and underground coal mining. Several hearings have been scheduled to give the public an opportunity to comment on this proposal, including a hearing in Pittsburgh on September 10, 2015 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Double Tree Hotel, 500 Mansfield Avenue.
At this hearing the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement will be accepting written and oral comments on the new Stream Protection Rule. The proposed rule represents the first major changes to federal mining regulations in over 30 years and has important implications for surface and longwall mining. Some portions of the proposed rule need to be much stronger to adequately protect waterways and communities, yet it is a much-needed improvement on current mining regulations. Along with our partners at Center for Coalfield Justice, we have prepared a guide to commenting that can help you in preparing testimony or written comments. Please consider attending. Contact Krissy for more information on the Pittsburgh hearing, or click here for other ways you can comment.