NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — The Tennessee Senate has voted to delay for three weeks a vote on a proposal to halt mountaintop removal coal mining in the state.
The decision came despite the objections of the bill's sponsor, Democratic Sen. Eric Stewart of Winchester, who called for a vote Monday evening.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville said the delay is aimed at finding a compromise on the measure, and not an effort to kill the bill.
The measure seeks to deny permits that would alter any ridge line more than 2,000 feet above sea level.