Don’t Fall for the Mining Industry’s Alternative Facts

Support the Stream Protection Rule!

Ranking Member Grijalva urges his Democratic colleagues to join him in supporting the Stream Protection Rule:

Dear Colleague:

The fossil fuel industry will take a back seat to no one when it comes to wildly exaggerating the potential cost of any regulation that may cost them a little extra money. The latest, and particularly impressive example, is from opponents of the Stream Protection Rule, who are passing on the industry’s claim that the rule would cost “78,000 mining jobs.” Except that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are only 53,800 coal mining jobs in the country. Apparently the Stream Protection Rule will create 25,000 jobs that it will then have to eliminate.

The fact is that the Stream Protection Rule will actually create jobs and decrease coal production by less than one-tenth of one percent, while protecting or restoring roughly 6,000 miles of streams and 52,000 acres of forests.

Coal jobs are down because of one simple reason: competition from cheap natural gas. But don’t take our word for it:

“The reason coal is dying isn't because of regulations or some sort of war on coal. It’s dying because it’s no longer cost-competitive.” – Travis Hoium, The Motley Fool[1]

“I don't know anybody in the country who would build another coal plant.” – DTE Energy CEO Gerry Anderson[2]

“I’ve asked President-elect Trump to temper his comments about bringing coal miners back and bringing coal back. It will not happen.” – Murray Energy CEO Bob Murray[3]

“I don’t think we’re going to be building coal plants…Basically the biggest driver right now in the industry isn’t even regulations. Nothing can compete with gas or wind right now…The fuel cost kind of dwarfs the environmental compliance costs.” – Brian Potts, Perkins Coie[4]

“Sooner or later the administration will have to recognize they cannot help all fossil fuels, and that in the case of natural gas or coal, it is one or the other.” – Robert Godby, University of Wyoming[5]

"Low natural gas prices…and lower international coal demand have contributed to declining U.S. coal production."[6] – Energy Information Administration

Don’t fall for the coal industry’s scare tactics and alternative facts. Support the Stream Protection Rule!

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