Ohio EPA Water Official Resigns, Cites Pressure From Coal Industry

摘要

The head of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's division of surface water said he will resign in September at the request of Gov. John Kasich (R) and Ohio EPA Director Scott Nally. "As you know, there has been considerable pressure from coal companies over the last year for the division staff to accommodate the industry's needs by issuing permits that may have a negative impact on Ohio's streams and wetlands and violate state and federal laws," George Elmaraghy said in an Aug. 19 email to state EPA staff members. "The division staff acted appropriately in trying to implement the law, and made every reasonable effort to accommodate the industry's needs."