Railroad Commission Hearings Examiner proposes denial of Motions for Rehearing of Dos Republicas Coal Mine
By: Jose G. Landa
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013
As anticipated, Railroad Commission of Texas Hearings Examiner Marcy J. Spraggins is proposing to the three-member Texas Railroad Commission to deny the Motion for Rehearing of the Dos Republicas Coal Partnership’s Application to renew, revise, and expand Permit 42-A, now Permit 42-B, Eagle Pass Mine filed by the City of Eagle Pass, County of Maverick, Maverick County Hospital District, Maverick County Environmental and Public Health Association and George Baxter, Coahuilteco Research Associates, and the Paquache Tribe at the Railroad Commission’s meeting on March 26, 2013.
Hearings Examiner Marcy J. Spraggins concludes that there are not any new facts raised by the parties’ Motions for Rehearing of the controversial Dos Republicas Coal Partnership application concerning the Eagle Pass Mine.
The Railroad Commission of Texas granted by a controversial split 2 to 1 vote Dos Republicas Coal Partnership’s application to renew, revise, and expand Permit 42-B authorizing it to construct, operate, and manage an open surface coal mine only three miles north of the City of Eagle Pass, Texas in a densely populated area of northern Maverick County, Texas. The permit application has been pending for over 21 years.
George Baxter, Vice-President of the Maverick County Environmental and Public Health Association, stated that the association plans to appeal the Texas Railroad Commission’s ultimate decision to a state district court in Travis County, Texas or any other legal remedies available. It is also anticipated that the Texas Railroad Commission will approve Hearing Examiner’s Marcy J. Spraggins proposal to deny all the Motions for Rehearing at its March 26th meeting.
The parties to the contested permit application will review their options and it is expected that they will appeal whatever adverse decision the Texas Railroad Commission takes on March 26th.
