Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) introduced legislation to put a moratorium on permitting mountaintop removal coal mining until questions about health effects are resolved. This move would block permits for new or expanded surface mine sites in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia until the EPA and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences issue peer-reviewed research concluding that communities surrounding the mines do not face significant health risks. The bill would also require OSM to assess and collect a one-time fee from each person that is conducting a mountaintop removal coal mining project.
The bill is not expected to move in this Congress and will be watched for further action.