LEGISLATORS IN BIND OVER REDUCING STATE'S PROTECTED STREAMS

(02/20/2008)

West Virginia legislators are quibbling over what to do about following Gov. Joe Manchin's move to cut 309 protected streams in half. The quibbling has been going on for six or seven years. Environmentalists, including Trout Unlimited, want to keep the streams protected. Coal interests want the restrictions removed to permit more mountaintop removal. Coal lobbyists have held vigil at the capitol for several days. Lawmakers who back the so-called Tier 2.5 designation for 309 streams say the federal government could step in if the Legislature doesn't act this year. Democrats warned that Washington could step in to resolve the impasse. Republicans argued yesterday that the state Department of Environmental Protection hasn't made the case for granting all 309 streams the special status. Gov. Manchin supports the coal company interests, favoring economic development. DEP Secretary Stephanie Timmermeyer says federal intervention is a possibility if West Virginia doesn't implement a policy.

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