America’s coal mining communities are deeply concerned by the impact of policy announced by EPA on coal mining permits, employment and economic activity throughout Appalachia. This is a sweeping regulatory action that affects not only all coal mining in the region, but also other activities with the potential to impact Appalachian stream quality, according to EPA Administrator Jackson. The policy was announced without the required transparency and opportunity for public comment that is afforded to policies of this magnitude. Nor does the guidance strike a much-needed balance between the economic needs and environmental expectations of the affected workers and local communities.” So said National Mining Association (NMA) Senior Vice President for Regulatory Affairs Bruce Watzman upon the announcement by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of policy directed at permitting of coal mining operations in Appalachia. 

“EPA continues to point to ‘new science’ that has been found to be both flawed and limited in its findings and application as justification for today’s announcement.  EPA took unprecedented steps to suspend an existing permit less than a week ago that had undergone a five-year, comprehensive environmental impact analysis as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.

“Permits issued under the Clean Water Act affect nearly 80,000 direct coal mining jobs in Appalachia, as well as the coal to power nearly 80 million homes and US steel production, which relies on Appalachian coal for more than 95% of the coal it requires for manufacture.

“We urge EPA to give greater thought to the impact on jobs, affordable electricity and US steel production caused by further permitting delays and roadblocks resulting from the agency’s ill-considered policy decisions over the last several days.”