The EPA had been in the midst of cleaning up the Gold King Mine Superfund site in 2015, when it collapsed, sending pollution into the river.
Credit: AP/Brennan Linsley

In one of his first acts of business, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt directed his new staff to delay a initiative that would require mining companies to prove they can clean up after themselves. (emphasis added)

The order would require companies to prove they will be able to clean up the damage caused by routine mining activities. The order is an effort to reduce liability to taxpayers and improve environmental practices at mines.

But mining interests — such as coal companies — have fiercely objected to the Obama-era proposal, which was developed after environmental groups sued for better enforcement of Superfund regulations. Pruitt on Friday delayed consideration of the order for an additional four months.

“It appears the new EPA administrator is already favoring industry over […]