We are not currently updating this rule.
Click here to return to our Regulatory Tracker or here to sign up for our monthly Tracker email updates.
Why it Matters
This rule was developed “in order to avoid or minimize impacts on surface water, groundwater, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources” from coal mining. In particular, it was designed to prevent mountain-top mining operations – where the top of a mountain is blown off with dynamite to reach underground coal seams – from dumping the mountain rubble in nearby valleys and waterways.
History
Dec. 20, 2016 The Department of the Interior (DOI) publishes the Stream Protection Rule.
Trump Era
Feb. 1, 2017 The House of Representatives passed a resolution to repeal the rule under the Congressional Review Act.
Feb 2, 2017 The Senate passed a resolution to repeal the rule under the CRA.
Feb. 16, 2017 President Trump signed HJ Res. 38 into law, disapproving the Stream Protection Rule. Under the Congressional Review Act, DOI may not promulgate a rule that is “substantially the same.”