Heller and Barrasso Praise Extension of Comment Period for EPA's Proposed Mining Rule
Press Release
Today, U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), praised the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to extend the comment period for the proposed rule titled: "Financial Responsibility Requirements Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) for Classes of Facilities in the Hardrock Mining Industry." The EPA announced today that it was extending the comment period for the rule by 120 days, until July 10, 2017.
"Under the previous administration, regulators in Washington were too quick to hand down harsh regulations and rules without considering the impact it could have on mining, utility, and other energy companies. Today, the EPA made the right decision to issue an additional 120-day extension that will allow local governments, state agencies, and affected stakeholders, like those in Nevada, the appropriate time to examine this new rule and provide feedback. I welcome this fresh approach by the EPA and believe we can achieve safe, clean, and economically efficient natural resources production for years to come," said Senator Dean Heller.
"This proposed mining rule could have very significant impacts. The EPA should not rush through duplicative regulations that could have serious economic consequences. I am pleased to hear the agency is allowing for more time to review the public's comments," said Senator John Barrasso.
Background:
On February 17, 2017, Senator Heller led a number of his colleagues and wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt asking for an additional 120 day extension of the public review period for the Financial Responsibility Requirements rule under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. This request was honored today. Read the full letter here.
On February 10, 2017, Senator Barrasso authored a similar letter to Acting EPA Administrator Catherine McCabe to request an extension. Read the full letter here.
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