Boston (December 19, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement today after the Obama administration released final regulations to prevent or minimize impacts to surface water and groundwater from coal mining. 

“The Interior Department’s Stream Protection Rule will help protect Appalachian communities from the devastating and toxic impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining. This rule is a critical step in protecting the public health and clean water for millions of Americans and I will work to ensure that it is not rolled back by a Trump Administration. I applaud President Obama and Secretary Jewell for taking this important action to protect public health in these areas.”