Barletta Backs Measure to Protect Coal Industry

Press Release

Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today voted in support of legislation that would protect the coal industry from further regulatory overreach by the federal agency overseeing mines, introducing common sense into the process and protecting jobs and energy. The Supporting Transparent Regulatory and Environmental Actions in Mining (STREAM) Act addresses planned Stream Buffer Regulations from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), which are aimed directly at shutting down surface coal mining operations by banning mining within 100 feet of anything the agency defines as a stream. The regulations would also prohibit mining underneath a stream, which would make underground coal mining practically impossible. The bill, H.R. 1644, passed the House by a vote of 235-to-188.

"While he was a candidate for president, Barack Obama pledged to bankrupt the coal industry, which is the one energy policy he has had that seems to be working," Barletta said. "Pennsylvania was built on coal. Thousands of our residents still rely on the industry for their livelihoods, and millions depend on it for their electricity. If you shut down coal mines, it will kill jobs and make electricity bills cost more. I will always do everything I can to stand strong for coal."

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"There is renewed interest in anthracite coal, because of the high carbon content, which could mean an industry boom in our region of Pennsylvania," Barletta said. "We cannot allow for job creation, economic development, and energy generation to be held hostage by overzealous regulators in Washington, D.C."

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