FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 5, 2012) — The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will participate in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (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. Two hearings are scheduled; the first tonight at 7 in Frankfort, Ky., at the Frankfort Convention Center. The second will be in Pikeville June 7 at noon and 7 p.m. at the East Kentucky Expo Center.
“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.”
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