Clean Water Act Used to Delay 79 Coal Mining Permits

We all know that burning coal is among the biggest contributors to global warming pollution. Yet it was the Clean Water Act that was cited as justification when the EPA announced last week that 79 surface coal mining permits would be delayed.

From the Associated Press:

President Barack Obama's administration put the brakes on 79 applications for surface coal mining permits in four states Wednesday, saying they would violate the Clean Water Act.

The action is the administration's latest attempt to curb environmental damage from a highly efficient but damaging mining practice known as mountaintop removal. Each permit likely would cause significant damage to water quality and the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement.

The permits would allow mine operators to bury intermittent streams with excess material removed to expose coal seams. Environmental groups including the Sierra Club and the Rainforest Action Committee want Obama to ban the practice, arguing it destroys ancient mountain peaks, fouls water and damages the culture of Appalachia.

While the production of energy from fossil fuels requires massive amounts of water for cooling, it is equally important to keep in mind that extracting the raw materials - be it coal, uranium or natural gas - can also lead to significant impacts on our water resources.

While Congress drags its feet on climate legislation, understanding the negative impacts that traditional energy sources have on water - and the water-related benefits of certain renewable energy supplies - can help protect our rivers and the climate.