Regulators Back Continuing Operations At Colorado Coal Mine

CRAIG, Colo. (AP) — Federal regulators say allowing a northwestern Colorado coal mine to continue operating would have no significant impact on the environment.

An arm of the Interior Department released the preliminary finding regarding the Trapper Mine Monday after a federal judge ordered another environmental review because the original review didn't take a serious look at the impacts, including climate change.

The agency won't make a final decision until after officials take comments from the public through Feb. 19.

The same lawsuit that challenged the Trapper Mine's permit also led to another environmental review of the nearby Colowyo Mine. Last year Interior allowed mining to continue after a review found there wouldn't be any significant impact.

A similar lawsuit has also successfully challenged the environmental review done for Montana's largest coal mine, Spring Creek.

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