IL HR0687

Urges the U.S. Department of the Interior to extend the public comment period for the proposed Draft Stream Protection Rule from 60 days to at least 180 days.

Identifies the Illinois coal industry as responsible for over $2.5 billion in annual economic activity and employing approximately 5,000 miners earning an average salary of $85,000 per year.

Notes that Illinois holds the largest recoverable bituminous coal reserves in the United States and could supply America's electricity needs for 50 years.

States the proposed Stream Protection Rule would modify over 450 existing regulatory provisions affecting surface mines, underground mines, and ancillary facilities across all coal-producing states.

Highlights that Illinois currently faces a 2-year backlog on coal mine permits that has negatively impacted mining operations and expansion.