WASHINGTON, (November 18, 2008)—Today, Congressman Ben Chandler sent a letter to Administrator Stephen Johnson of the EPA expressing his opposition to federal action that could have a devastating effect on Kentucky’s watersheds. This proposal by the Bush administration seeks to make it easier to dispose of excess mine spoil and waste in Kentucky’s streams, creeks and rivers. Congressman Chandler sent his letter at the same time Governor Beshear sent a letter expressing the same concern.
The Stream Buffer Zone rule was established in 1983 to prevent mine spoil and waste from being dumped within 100 feet of any permanent or seasonal stream, however over the past few years, coal companies have often failed to comply. The proposed change would make the regulation even easier to circumvent, effectively repealing the buffer zone.
“I am convinced that we can protect Kentucky’s unique landscape while also maintaining our low-cost energy advantage—they don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” Chandler said. “We have to stop this regulation so we can protect the place we call home. It is undeniable that coal plays a substantial role in our state’s history and future, but so do our clean streams, creeks, rivers and lakes.
"Earlier this year, Congressman Chandler conducted a flyover of surface mining operations with the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment to further investigate its effects on Kentucky’s watersheds and landscape. Government studies by the current administration show that between 2001 and 2005 more than 1,200 miles of streams have been degraded or destroyed by mountaintop removal, and this damage could double by 2010. Removing existing protections could accelerate this damage and affect waterways hundreds of miles downstream.
“Governor Beshear and I are in strong agreement on this issue, and I applaud his swift, attentive action,” Chandler said. “I am thrilled that we are working together and making a stronger case to prevent this rule change from moving forward. If this action is approved, it would simply reward the bad behavior by coal companies over the past few years. I am concerned about the message this sends.”
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