This resolution would repeal an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation known as the Stream Protection Rule which sought to protect water quality from the impacts of surface coal mining. The rule was finalized during the final days of the Obama administration.
The Stream Protection Rule would tighten exceptions to a rule that requires a 100-foot buffer between coal mining and streams. It also would require coal mining companies to restore streams and mined areas to a state similar to what existed prior to the mining.
Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress can overturn regulations issued within the last 60 legislative days with simple majority votes in both chambers. It would need to be signed into law by the president to take effect.