Saturday, March 27, 2010
Veto Upsets Lawmakers
WEST VIRGINIA....
Several state lawmakers issued statements Friday following the Environmental Protection Agency's veto of a water quality permit at the Spruce No. 1 mine. Governor Joe Manchin says he's very disappointed with the way it now stands, but, with his understanding, Arch Coal will now have a chance to look at its options on moving forward with continued discussions. Manchin says he's still hopeful that something can be worked out. Senator Robert C. Byrd says the announcement begins a process that enables the company and the public to comment on the matter in writing and at public hearings. Several called it wrong and unfair for the EPA to change the rules for a permit already active. They say the EPA decision is unprecedented, unjustified and undeserved and to come back now and pull the rug out from under this mining operation is unconscionable. Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, has accused the EPA of playing regulatory games in revoking a permit that has been issued for three years.
Several state lawmakers issued statements Friday following the Environmental Protection Agency's veto of a water quality permit at the Spruce No. 1 mine. Governor Joe Manchin says he's very disappointed with the way it now stands, but, with his understanding, Arch Coal will now have a chance to look at its options on moving forward with continued discussions. Manchin says he's still hopeful that something can be worked out. Senator Robert C. Byrd says the announcement begins a process that enables the company and the public to comment on the matter in writing and at public hearings. Several called it wrong and unfair for the EPA to change the rules for a permit already active. They say the EPA decision is unprecedented, unjustified and undeserved and to come back now and pull the rug out from under this mining operation is unconscionable. Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, has accused the EPA of playing regulatory games in revoking a permit that has been issued for three years.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:58 PM 
