N.D. PSC protests federal coal regulatory moves

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Public Service Commission is protesting federal budget and regulatory proposals that would affect the coal industry.

Commissioner Tony Clark says a budget proposal for a federal mining regulatory office would reduce the amount of aid that state regulators get for their own oversight efforts.

At the same time, Clark says the federal regulatory budget is being increased so federal regulators can duplicate the work of their state counterparts.

Commission Chairman Kevin Cramer says the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to regulate greenhouse gases is another blow aimed at an industry that's important to North Dakota.

The commissioners say the actions will increase electric costs for ratepayers.

Tags: daily updates, north dakota, news, federal, coal, psc