A new federal rule would cut miners’ exposure to silica dust, but miners and their advocates have concerns about whether industry will follow the new rule under the current enforcement mechanisms.
Blog Archives
Coal Companies Point Fingers as Local Residents Contend With Flood and Home Damage
Geysers, dry wells, damage to buildings and strange slime in creeks have residents near Wolf Pen, West Virginia, looking for answers. Meanwhile, coal companies dodge accountability by blaming each other.
TAGS: Alpha Natural Resources Bluestone Resources Coal Contura mine reclamation Pinn MC Wind Down Co. Pinnacle Mine Complex West Virginia Geysers Wolf Pen
Dozens of coal community advocates back new safeguard to strengthen community oversight of mining
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2023 CONTACT: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com COAL COUNTRY – Last night, 28 groups formally submitted comments in support of a new proposal by the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE) that ensures action is…
Crowded lame duck session in D.C. brings dangers and opportunities for Appalachian communities
With just a few weeks remaining in this session of Congress, we’re fighting one alarming bill, working to pass two positive measures, and urging the Senate to confirm key appointments. Our Legislative Director Chelsea Barnes shares what’s happening on Capitol Hill.
TAGS: 117th Congress abandoned mine lands abandoned mine lands economic revitalization program Acid Mine Drainage AMLER black lung disease Coal mountain valley pipeline mvp STREAM Act TVA
Backed by bipartisan momentum, STREAM Act advocates urge leadership to advance legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 2022 Contact: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com, 202-904-9187 READ THE LETTER APPALACHIA — With the clock ticking down on the current session of Congress, 87 organizations are urging leadership of both parties to not miss an opportunity…
Confronting Rising Black Lung
Amid an ongoing surge in severe black lung disease among coal miners, federal lawmakers have introduced a number of bills aimed at assisting affected miners and their families. The Inflation Reduction Act shored up funding for benefits, and advocates are pushing for additional measures.
No Easy Answers on Coal Ash Cleanup
To protect groundwater and community health, coal ash ponds must be cleaned up. But, as communities in Tennessee have learned, safely removing the toxic waste brings its own set of challenges.
TAGS: Allen Fossil Plant Coal Coal Ash coal ash cleanup coal ash impoundments Electric Utilities Environment Environmental Justice Kingston Coal Ash Spill Kingston Fossil Plant Kingston workers memphis South Memphis Southern Environmental Law Center Tennessee TVA TVA Kingston coal ash spill
Interagency Group Aims to Get Federal Funds to Coal Communities
The Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization has a guide to help coal-impacted communities access federal funding opportunities.
TAGS: Appalachian Regional Commission Assistance to Coal Communities program Coal Energy Communities Interagency Working Group IWG Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce Economic Revitalization Initiative White House Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization
The Tennessee Valley Faces Crossroads Between Methane Gas or Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s plan to transition away from coal has generated significant push-back from environmental and community groups because of its reliance on methane gas instead of renewable energy.
TAGS: Coal Energy Efficiency just transition pipelines Renewable Energy Tennessee Valley Authority TVA
Major progress for action to address acid mine drainage crisis as STREAM Act passes House with strong bipartisan support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2022 Contact: Trey Pollard, trey@pollardcommunications.com, 202-904-9187 COAL COUNTRY — Today, advocates for abandoned mine clean up and clean water across the country celebrated as the U.S. House passed the Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of…
