COLUMBUS (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey released comments on Dec. 19 expressing opposition to the federal government’s Stream Protection Rule.
“This is yet the latest regulatory overreach by the Obama administration to adopt an extreme measure contrary to the law. It is potentially very harmful to working men and women in our states, including coal miners and energy consumers," said DeWine. "This newly unveiled final rule is being forced through the process so as to go into effect on Jan. 19 – literally on the eve of the new administration.”
DeWine alleges the rule exceeds the power granted by Congress and ignores the regulatory authority of states and other agencies. The rule is set for publication and seeks to ban any change to the land and environment around coal mines. DeWine and Morrisey believe it is unrealistic and is a clear attempt to dramatically reduce coal mining.
“This regulation would have drastic consequences on coal mining in West Virginia,” Morrisey said. “President Obama aims to make this effective the day before inauguration, truly a last-ditch attempt to enact his radical agenda. This outrageous and unlawful move by un-elected bureaucrats demands Congress use its power to disapprove of such rules as soon as President-elect Trump takes office.”