Chamber participates in EPA hearings in Frankfort, Pikeville

The Kentucky Chamber recently participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) public hearings, regarding the EPA’s objections to 36 individual permits that would authorize new or expanded surface coal mining activities in eastern Kentucky. The hearings were held in Frankfort and Pikeville.

“These objections have prevented the issuance of all individual Clean Water Act permits for new or expanded surface coal mining activities in eastern Kentucky for more than two years,” said Chad Harpole, director of public affairs for the Kentucky Chamber. “The economic impact to Kentucky is staggering – 19 recent EPA objections are estimated to cost Kentucky 3,800 jobs and more than $123,000,000 in coal severance taxes.