Protection from pollution

The suffering occurring in mining communities due to poor environmental regulations has become unbearable. As a citizen of Kentucky, I find it part of my duty to stand with those living in a place where the impact of mining is felt.

It is imperative that the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act be updated to better protect our state’s waters and to create a sustainable lifestyle where people can live in a healthy environment.

The Stream Protection Rule is designed to require more strict monitoring of streams before, during and after mining, as well as more strict restoration of streams’ ecological and hydrological function. This update will improve lives of countless people who have already been affected by poor regulation.

Although most of the mining is happening in Eastern Kentucky, many non-coalfield communities, including Lexington, are downstream along the Kentucky River from mining communities. The Stream Protection Rule will affect more than just Eastern Kentucky communities.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 7:36 PM with the headline "Protection from pollution."