SPRINGFIELD -- A bipartisan coalition of downstate lawmakers wants the federal government to extend a public comment period on new environmental rules targeting coal mining.
State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, and state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, have introduced non-binding resolutions asking the Interior Department to give states more time to respond to regulations that would limit mining operations near streams and reduce waste disposal.
"We need ample time to respond appropriately," Bradley told reporters during a news conference at the Capitol.
The public comment period on the rules runs for 60 days. The resolution backed by Democrats and Republicans calls for that to be extended by 180 days.
"We have to slow down," Forby said.
The proposal, which was crafted over six years, would require companies to avoid mining practices that hurt streams, pollute drinking water sources, increase flood risk or threaten forests.
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State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, said after spending six years putting the plan together, the federal government should allow more time for a response.
He said the rules could have a significant impact on employment within his district.
"Give us more time," Manar said.
The resolution says the state's nearly 5,000 miners earn an average salary of about $85,000 annually.
But, with increased regulations and mechanization, the number of mining jobs has been cut in more than half over the past two decades.
Among those co-sponsoring the legislation are state Reps. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro; Avery Bourne, R-Pawnee; Tim Butler, R-Springfield; Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg; Pat Verschoore, D-Milan; Adam Brown, R-Champaign; John Cavaletto, R-Salem; David Reis, R-Willow Hill; and Reggie Phillips, R-Charleston.
The legislation is House Resolution 687.
In the Senate, Forby and state Sen. Sam McCann, R-Plainview, are sponsoring Senate Resolution 852.