Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
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Environmental advocacy groups sue federal agency office for failing to act on program
HUNTINGTON — Conservation agencies are suing the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement in federal court alleging it failed to make a determination to a surface mining program. -
Federal judge orders conservation group case against WVDEP to go on
HUNTINGTON — A federal judge ruled that a lawsuit alleging that the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) isn't properly maintaining the Special Reclamation Fund is allowed to continue. -
Environmental groups say WVDEP isn't properly maintaining Special Reclamation Fund
HUNTINGTON —Three environmental organizations have filed a lawsuit against West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) Secretary Austin Caperton alleging WVDEP must continue putting money toward a fund that helps clean up abandoned mines. -
DOI seeks to dismiss lawsuit filed by Justice companies alleging breach of contract
ROANOKE — The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against it filed by several companies owned by Gov. Jim Justice’s family. -
Jay Justice, Justice companies sue government agency for reneging on agreement
ROANOKE, Va. — Jay Justice and several of the Justice family companies are suing the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) and the United States Department of the Interior for going back on a settlement agreement. -
Jenkins approves abolishment of Obama regulation on mining
CHARLESTON – An 11th hour regulation put on the books by departing President Barack Obama has been effortlessly struck down by Congress, leaving one West Virginia Congressman happy with the result. -
After Trump's signature, Morrisey unsure of future of stream protection case
CHARLESTON – After President Trump signed measures undoing regulations that hindered coal mining, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says his coalition of AGs needs to review the need to continue a lawsuit about the matter. -
Joe Pizarchik knows what West Virginia wants
“My biggest disappointment is a majority in Congress ignored the will of the people,” explained Joe Pizarchik, recently ousted director of the Interior Department’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, to a sympathetic ear at Politico. “They ignored the interests of the people in coal country.” Pizarchik, of course, personally speaks for all of West Virginia. -
Trump expected to sign resolution to end coal rule, McKinley's office says
WASHINGTON — The beginning of the end of the so-called "war on coal" began this week when both chambers of Congress approved resolutions to overturn the Obama-era Stream Protection Rule, the office of U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.V., announced Feb. 2. -
Morrisey praises Congress for steps to stop stream buffer rule
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey praised the U.S. House for taking action to strip implementation of former President Obama’s stream buffer rule. -
Morrisey, other AGs challenge Stream Protection Rule
WASHINGTON – The Attorneys General of West Virginia and Ohio are leading a group of 13 states in a challenge to the federal Stream Protection Rule, which is scheduled to go into effect Jan. 19. -
Jenkins introduces bill to stop stream buffer zone rule
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins has introduced a resolution to force Congress to take an up-or-down vote on a recently finalized anti-coal regulation from the Obama administration. -
State Republican leaders blast Obama's Stream Protection Rule
CHARLESTON — A host of Republican leaders are blasting President Obama’s Stream Protection Rule, which they say would “dramatically reduce coal mining.” The rule, which is set for publication Dec. 20, would prohibit any change to the land and environment near coal mines. -
Capito addresses appropriation bills
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said she is proud that the Appropriations Committee advanced two bills. -
Morrisey leads opposition to proposed federal mining regulations
CHARLESTON – West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine are leading an effort opposed to the federal government’s proposed Stream Protection Rule, which would regulate coal-mining activities near streams. In the letter signed by attorneys general in 14 states, they call the proposal a one-size-fits-all plan that broadens the federal government’s authority at the expense of coal mining operations in West Virginia and across the country. “Such a sweepin -
Wyoming Co. family sues Dynamic Energy Inc. over contaminated water claims
PINEVILLE – A Wyoming County family is suing a mining company over claims that the family's water supply has been contaminated as a result of coal mining near the home. -
Dynamic Energy named in three more well water contamination suits
PINEVILLE – Three more lawsuits have been filed against Dynamic Energy after residents claim it contaminated their well water. Mechel Bluestone Inc. was also named as a defendant in the suits. David Keith Hatfield, Lora Hatfield, Adam Keith Hatfield, Hubert Hatfield and Kelly Hatfield; Michael Toler and Aleta Toler; and Scottie Toler, Priscilla Toler, Makellan Hurley and Randy Toler have water from a well and depend on their water well for all of their domestic needs, including drinking, bathi -
Four people blame Dynamic Energy for well water contamination
PINEVILLE – Four people are suing Dynamic Energy Inc. after they claim it contaminated their well water and failed to fix the problem. Mechel Bluestone Inc. was also named as a defendant in the suit. James Harris and Della Harris, the parents of C.C.