AL HR86

Urges Congress to overturn the Stream Protection Rule published by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) on July 19, 2015, which regulates stream protection in surface coal mining operations.

Claims the rule exceeds OSMRE's statutory authority, infringes on state implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, and imposes extensive monitoring requirements without sound scientific justification.

Contends the rule would eliminate 7,000 to 80,000 high-paying jobs across 22 states, reduce annual tax revenues by 15 to 35 percent, and sterilize two-thirds of recoverable coal reserves.

States that nine of ten states with memorandums of understanding terminated participation after being subjected to a four-year blackout period without dialogue with OSMRE.

Requests the Department of the Interior withdraw the rule and directs copies be sent to the Alabama Congressional Delegation expressing concerns about implementation.