Department of Natural Resources in Illinois might face legal raps; Stricter rules might affect coal industry

Lisa Madigan of the Illinois Attorney General's office wants to take legal actions against the state's natural resource agency which failed to follow the terms regarding tougher rules for coal mines.

Governor Pat Quinn's administration was the one who proposed the tougher rules against these coal mines. According to Fox 2 Now, these tougher regulations were a part of a broader reform two years ago. They followed the criticisms by environmentalist that the state Department of Natural Resources was too cozy with mining companies that it regulates.

These rules include the submission of early notification to citizens regarding applications and that mine permit applicants should be ready to answer any query at any hearings. But two years have passed and no rules were enacted and tend to weaken public participation as per Daily Chronicle.

According to Ann Spillane, Madigan's chief of staff, it is frustrating that the new rules are not yet in place. She added that it is time that the department stop the delaying of the implementation of the new rules to fully comply with the court's orders.

The director of the Illinois chapter of the Sierra Club, Jack Darin urged the governor not to delay it further. He added that while the court deliberates, Illinois cannot wait any longer to experience the benefits of clean energy to the community as per North American Wind Power.

Since the revisions of the tougher rules and regulations, the Illinois Coal Association  filed a petition to the DNR to remove the banner rules to better accommodate the needs of the industry. This includes allowing only state hearing officers and not citizens to participate and ask questions at public hearings.

According to experts, the effect of these legal actions against coal industries threatens jobs in central and southern Illinois. The state has 15 pending request for new mines and these permit revisions can affect the renewal of mines that are already operating.

Tags

Illinois, Illinois mining, Illinois mining industry, Illinois coal mining, coal mining rules and regulations, Lisa Madigan, Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Coal Association

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