Governor Pence Opposes Proposed Federal Mining Rule

Governor Mike Pence and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources submitted comments to the federal Office of Surface Mining regarding the proposed Stream Protection Rule.  Intended to address issues surrounding mountaintop mining in Appalachia, the proposed rule would apply to coal mines in every state.  In his letter to the head of the Office of Surface Mining, Director Joseph Pizarchik, Governor Pence wrote:

“Protecting our environment while producing the energy we need for a thriving economy is hard work and requires a careful balance.  Here in Indiana, we know how to achieve that balance.  We have been responsibly mining coal in Indiana for generations.  In fact, Vigo Coal Company recently received the 2015 National Award for the Mid-Continent Region from youroffice recognizing the responsible approach Indiana takes as stewards of our natural resources.”

In a separate letter submitted with the Governor’s letter, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said:

“The original intent of the rule was to address stream impacts in Appalachia from mountaintop mining.  However, the concerns that exist in Appalachia do not exist in Indiana.  The additional requirements imposed by the proposed rule place unnecessary burdens on Indiana’s coal industry.  More resources will be expended to comply with the rule than there will be environmental benefit.  Indiana does not have a history of the water quality issues that exist in Appalachia.  Our geology is different from other coal producing regions, as is our topography.”