Today, on February 29, 2012, Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson over the Administration’s de facto moratorium on Appalachian coal mining permits. Rogers has been a leading voice in Congress decrying EPA’s vast regulatory overreach, which has been killing jobs around the country but particularly in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Today, he challenged the Administrator to explain continued delays in the permitting process in light of an October 2011 court decision in NMA vs. Jackson, which affirmed that permits must be issued in a timely manner and without impermissible interference from EPA.  Despite this, the EPA has not approved a single individual permit application that it has received from mining operations in Chairman Rogers’ congressional district since 2009.

Click here to view a clip of the Congressman questioning Administrator Jackson about the de facto permit moratorium.

Click here to read the Congressman’s opening statement at today’s hearing on the EPA’s FY13 Budget Proposal

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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