Don't Block New Rules that Protect Streams from Mining Wastes
- by: Susan V
- recipient: U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR)
Global protests over mountaintop removal have not yet stopped state Departments of Environmental Protection from issuing new permits for this highly polluting practice. Even as the mining creeps closer to communities and its waste invades surrounding waters, Congressional Republicans are attempting to block new regulations that would protect humans and wildlife.
Hoped to be released any day are new rules to replace those that have allowed dumping of mine wastes near streams, violating the Endangered Species Act. However WV Rep. Alex Mooney wants to postpone or block these rules with his Stream Act, accusing the Obama Administration of proliferating a “war on coal” that would kill thousands of jobs. Now the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) is backing Mooney’s measure, which calls for a study within two years, followed by a year of review before any new rules are implemented.
But according to Law360, http://www.law360.com/articles/607095/doi-reinstates-coal-mining-water-rules a federal court already ruled that key evidence had been ignored when the old rule was adopted, putting endangered habitats at risk. And according to numerous, solid studies, people living in these mountaintop mining communities have long suffered from excessive cases of lung and heart disease, cancer and birth defects. Sign this petition to insist EMR back off from backing Mooney’s Stream Act and protect the habitats of endangered wildlife and people living near mountaintop mining.
We, the undersigned, oppose any further delay in implementing new rules for protection of mining communities and streams.
Michael Hendryx of Indiana University’s School of Public Health told news sources that studies he conducted show that people living in mining communities, like the one he surveyed in Coal River, “were twice as likely to have a diagnosis [of cancer] sometime in their life compared to people who did not live in the mining area.” According to Public Radio International http://loe.org/blog/blogs.html/?seriesID=1&blogID=17, in another study Hendryx found “'significantly higher prevalence rates for birth defects overall…in mountaintop mining areas'” and that the rates of four kinds of birth defects 'become significantly worse; in the more recent years studied.“
Hendryx added that “birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the U.S. and can lead to life-long health problems and add billions to the nation’s health costs.”
Regarding the argument about stricter regulations, the Office of Surface Mining's Director, Joseph Pizarchik, reported to Congress that the new regulations would have little if any impact on jobs, according to ThinkProgress’s report.
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/31004-as-mountaintop-mining-spreads-lawmakers-oppose-rule-to-protect-streams
There seems little if any reason to block or delay these new regulations, which really should have been put in place long ago. The environment, animal life and human health is far more important than a few jobs and minor income loss to mining companies.
After all, all environmental groups like Appalachian Voices are asking for is “a true buffer zone around all streams that cannot be infringed,” says ThinkProgress’s report, one that would “stop the widespread practice of states giving waivers to allow mining activity and waste dumping within 100 feet of streams.”
Given the risks, this is not too much to ask.
We demand that all House Representatives end tactics that interfere with mountaintop mining regulations.
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