On October 10, The House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on what Chairman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) called "abusive actions" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against U.S. mining operations, including EPA’s watershed assessment of Bristol Bay, Alaska. The goal of the hearing was to offer solutions to create jobs and grow the economy by bolstering America’s mining industry. Due to the government shutdown, no representatives from the EPA were able to attend.

The committee was divided: Republican members placed blame on the Obama administration for creating a “war on coal,” and Democratic members, conversely, focused on the need for increased regulation.

The committee heard mixed testimony from witnesses and no resolution was reached. Three of the four witnesses expressed their disapproval of the EPA’s regulations, with one witness even referring to the regulations as, “onerous federal regulations, and abusive actions.” On the other hand, a witness from the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation applauded the EPA’s regulation and assessment, stating that the EPA has been vital in sustaining the future of the Bristol Bay watershed. The mixed reviews from witnesses and split committee failed to find solutions on how to bolster the economy and increase mining jobs.

Sources: House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources