"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Dealing another blow to the Obama administration's crackdown on mountaintop removal, a federal judge on Tuesday threw out new federal guidance that aimed to reduce water pollution from Appalachian coal mining operations."

"U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency overstepped its authority under federal water protection and strip mining laws when it issued the water quality guidance.

Walton also found that EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson "infringed on the authority" of state regulators to govern their own pollution permit and water quality standard programs."

Ken Ward Jr. reports for the Charleston Gazette July 31, 2012. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Coal Mine Water Rules Struck Down By Federal Judge" (AP) [3]

"Coal Industry Wins Challenge to EPA Water Standards" (Bloomberg) [4]