The Senate passed a resolution Thursday repealing regulations on the coal industry that were issued by the Obama administration in its eleventh hour.
The resolution passed, 54-45, one day after the House approved its own resolution of disapproval. The measure now will be sent to President Trump, who is expected to sign it. The resolution helps to fulfill part of Trump’s pledge to help coal miners get out from under the weight of increased regulation on their industry.
In killing the Interior Department’s last-minute Stream Protection Rule, the Republican leadership called it a rushed regulation that blindsided states with unnecessary and burdensome rules for coal mining.
Most Democrats opposed the resolution as a step backward for the environment, with Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, leading the charge during the debate Thursday morning.
The resolution of disapproval allows Congress to repeal regulations under the Congressional Review Act using a simple majority vote.
