The U.S. Interior Department released advanced notice tonight of some rule changes regarding water quality impacts of mountaintop removal.
This all looks good on a press release, but actions are what count. Interior’s intention to conduct independent inspections is really important. Perhaps now regulations will actually be enforced. We also applaud a basis on sound science, something not seen from the previous administration. We’re glad to see some real teeth starting to poke through their gums. But they’re still blasting on Coal River Mountain adjacent to seven billion gallons of toxic coal sludge on top of a hollowed out mountain, endangering a thousand people.
Tags: coal river mountain, Mountaintop Removal, sludge dam, U.S. Interior Department, water