Calling environmentalists' demands "an unwarranted burden," the state Energy and Environment Cabinet has opposed a motion by eight groups and individuals to intervene in a $660,000 settlement with coal companies ICG and Frasure Creek Mining.

Public commenting on the settlement, ordered last month by Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd, ended Wednesday with dozens of comments submitted to the court.

In the latest court filings, the cabinet called allegations that the state did a poor job of investigating complaints "bordering on specious" and said the environmental groups have no standing to join a suit in state courts over alleged violations of federal law.

Read the full story at kentucky.com.