The Trump administration has proposed new permitting processes in two energy-powerhouse states that would allow certain fossil fuel projects to be built through wetlands and streams without a public comment opportunity.
The Army Corps of Engineers proposals would authorize mines, natural gas pipelines, hydropower dams and other energy infrastructure in West Virginia and Ohio via “letters of permission” and “regional general permits.” Water pollution impacts would need to be limited to no more than 2 acres for a letter of permission and no more than 1 acre for a regional general permit.
Environmentalists say the proposals would allow companies to pollute waters and destroy wetlands in ways that are currently illegal under the Clean Water Act. Regional general permits do not require a formal analysis of environmental impacts under the National Environmental Policy Act.
“This could allow the company to bury streams with impunity, rather than going through the usual required means of getting a valley fill permit,” said Vernon Haltom, executive director of Coal River Mountain Watch, in Naoma, West Virginia. “The result would be faster destruction and less regulated destruction.”
