©2025 League of Conservation Voters
2017 Scorecard Vote
54
45
1
Issues
Representative Bill Johnson (R-OH) sponsored H.J. Res. 38, the Congressional Review Act “Resolution of Disapproval” of the Stream Protection Rule, which would threaten the drinking water and public health of communities living near coal mining operations by permanently blocking the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Stream Protection Rule. This important rule set commonsense requirements for coal mining to better protect ground water, surface water, and ecosystems from toxic coal mining waste, which has been linked to increased rates of cancer, birth defects, and other health problems in nearby communities. The rule protects 6,000 miles of streams and 52,000 acres of forests, set up new requirements for water quality monitoring and restoration, and generally compels coal mining companies to reduce their impact on the surrounding environment. This use of the Congressional Review Act, an extreme legislative tool, would not only overturn the current rule, but would prohibit DOI from ever issuing “substantially similar” regulations in the future. Following its passage in the House, on February 2, the Senate approved H.J. Res. 38 by a vote of 54-45 (Senate roll call vote 43). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. President Trump signed H.J. Res. 38 into law on February 16.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters