Rep. Don Beyer Introduces Bill to Enforce Timely Cleanup of Surface Coal Mines and Protect Water Sources

Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer has proposed legislation to set strict deadlines for cleaning up surface coal mines, which can leach toxic water containing heavy metals into streams, rivers, and drinking water sources. The bill, the “Stream Protection and Vegetation Restoration Act,” would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to increase monitoring of ground and surface waters surrounding coal mine operations. It also includes a process to ensure mine operators don’t idle mines to avoid cleanup or sidestep restoration after mining ends. Currently, SMCRA requires mine operators to have a plan for reclamation in place when mining but does not set specific time limits.