Tuesday, February 09, 2010
House Passes Mine Fee Bill
KENTUCKY....
The House voted 80-15 Tuesday in favor of House Bill 283 which, if passed, will allow increased surface mining permit fees. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Gooch (D-Providence) increases the cap for basic permit fees to $2,500, from the current $375. Renewals could be $750 instead of $375. Last year, Governor Steve Beshear issued an executive order to increase the fees and address a backlog of mining permits. Tom FitzGerald, of the Kentucky Resources Council, agreed fees needed to be increased, but says he’s concerned the bill dedicates most proceeds from the higher fees to the permitting division and gives nothing to enforcement and compliance. He says that could result in the federal government stepping in and taking over enforcement and compliance duties from the state.
The House voted 80-15 Tuesday in favor of House Bill 283 which, if passed, will allow increased surface mining permit fees. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Gooch (D-Providence) increases the cap for basic permit fees to $2,500, from the current $375. Renewals could be $750 instead of $375. Last year, Governor Steve Beshear issued an executive order to increase the fees and address a backlog of mining permits. Tom FitzGerald, of the Kentucky Resources Council, agreed fees needed to be increased, but says he’s concerned the bill dedicates most proceeds from the higher fees to the permitting division and gives nothing to enforcement and compliance. He says that could result in the federal government stepping in and taking over enforcement and compliance duties from the state.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:48 PM 
