Ohio Coal Association reacts to clarified Stream Protection Rule

The Ohio Coal Association recently applauded U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) for his recent steps to clarify language in the Omnibus funding bill’s Stream Protection Rule on the House floor.

“Ohio coal families have one less worry today thanks to the resilient leadership of Congressman Johnson, who fought back against the Stream Protection Rule,” Ohio Coal Association President Christian Palich said. 

The Stream Protection Rule regulates mining operations around waterways, creating buffer zones to prevent any water pollution from the mines’ activities.

“Clarifying the language regarding this disastrous regulation in the Omnibus ensures that states voices will be heard, after the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement attempted to ignore them in this rulemaking process,” Palich said. “Although not perfect, this clarification instills confidence that this rule, meant to destroy coal country, will not be implemented and is worthy of the Ohio delegation's support."