EPA Under Attack by King Coal

As we strive to move toward sustainability and limit green house gas we would like to think the nation is behind the movement. 

In 1972 the Clean Water Act was a direct response to industries lack of regulation and rampant pollution into the nation’s waterways. At the time two-thirds of the country’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters had become unsafe for fishing or swimming. Fast forward to today where a bipartisan effort is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives to restrict the power of EPA rules covering mountaintop mining, waterways and wetlands. It should surprise no one that Rep. Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia) is pushing this bill along with 35 other co-sponsors. West Virginia has long been touted as an area where mining is king. The bill will give power back to the state by allowing them to create their own water quality standards and undermine a land mark bill in the Clean Water Act. The legislation is geared toward coal mining, where EPA permits the process of surface mining through the CWA. Even if the bill passes through the House, it is not expected to make it through the Senate. The issue of loose regulation does raise concerns as allegations are surfacing that the Massey Energy Co. and the Mine Safety and Health Administration did not report safety issues that led to the explosion and killing of 29 coal miners in West Virginia last year. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/29/idUS101062184020110629

Looking for Incentive?

In 2003, the government subsidized the SUV market by giving up to $100,000 in deductions for the purchase—making such a vehicle practically free if you could afford the cost upfront. It was technically part of a bill designed to help farmers purchase vehicles, but any vehicle around 6,000 Lb was eligible, not just those intended for use on farms. This loophole was exploited by car salesmen, consumers, and oil companies alike. The environment was not consulted. Over 100 million dollars were allocated that year for such an expense. Although the subsidy was decreased afterward, the loophole remains. Next year, the figure may be as high as $500 million.