W.Va. files lawsuit over mining rules

Oct 07, 2010 | 12:13 PM | Lisa Gordon

The State of West Virginia is suing the Obama administration for allegedly working to destroy the coal mining industry with policies aimed at curbing mining efforts. The legal challenge is being applauded by mining companies.

On orders from Gov. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, asking the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to overturn new rules concerning mountaintop mining.

Appalachian coal miners, a prime source for metallurgical coal, have found it nearly impossible to secure surface mining permits under new EPA guidelines outlined in the federal Clean Water Act (AMM, April 5), and the lawsuit alleges that only six states—West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky—are being targeted.....





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