Congressional Hearing on the Stream Protection Rule
January 1, 2016
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The Frame
This hearing examines the level of influence and participation state environmental agencies have in federal regulations that govern mining operations and water quality standards.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
State Mining and Environmental Agencies
These agencies are responsible for implementing mining regulations and are involved in the federal rulemaking process as cooperating agencies.
Mining Industry
The industry is subject to the regulatory requirements established by the Stream Protection Rule.
Environmental Advocacy Groups
These groups monitor and participate in the rulemaking process to influence environmental protection standards.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2016.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on May 20, 2015, by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- The subject was the 'Stream Protection Rule' developed by the Office of Surface Mining.
- The hearing specifically investigated the status and involvement of state agencies as 'cooperating agencies' in the federal rulemaking process.
- Witnesses included representatives from state mining and environmental agencies in Virginia, West Virginia, and Alabama.
- A representative from the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition also provided testimony.
- The hearing record includes a 2012 study on mortality disparities in Appalachia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'cooperating agency' in this context?
What is the Stream Protection Rule?
Why It Matters
This hearing examines the level of influence and participation state environmental agencies have in federal regulations that govern mining operations and water quality standards.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Federal-State Tension
The hearing highlights ongoing friction regarding how much authority states retain when federal agencies draft environmental rules that impact local mining operations.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance40How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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