Democrats question EPA authority for new hardrock mine cleanup office

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) are asking EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to halt implementation of a new office to oversee cleanup of hardrock mines in the West until House and Senate Appropriations committees can approve the plan, questioning the agency’s power to launch the office without Congress’ backing. “We remind you that section 426 of Public Law 116-94, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, requires the advance approval by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees prior...