The KD#2 surface coal mine in West Virginia was permanently halted by state regulators after a two-year, resident-led campaign to close the mine.
Blog Archives
Protecting a unique Kentucky fish from mountaintop removal coal mining
The eye-catching Kentucky arrow darter was just listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, largely due to water pollution from activities like surface coal mining. Increased protection for this rare fish will lead to healthier ecosystems and communities.
Citizen action leads to closure of KD#2 mountaintop removal mine
After two years of pressure from citizens, West Virginia permanently halted mining at the KD#2 mountaintop removal coal mine. But the mine has already damaged land and water. This guest post features a statement from the Kanawha Forest Coalition.
Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining in West Virginia
Two mountaintop removal coal mines are proposed in West Virginia, and another relatively new mine faces a pollution lawsuit. Meanwhile, federal courts upheld the EPA’s denial of the largest mountaintop removal permit ever proposed.
Don Blankenship Sentenced and other news briefs
A former CEO of a coal mining company receives a historic criminal sentence, Atlantic Ocean spared from drilling, new study shows West Virginia is flatter due to mountaintop removal coal mining and other energy briefs.
TAGS: Don Blankenship Energy Efficiency fracking Mine Safety mountaintop removal coal mining oil drilling West Virginia
Russell Fork Makes “Most Endangered Rivers” List
The Russell Fork, which carved the gorge at the heart of Breaks Interstate Park on its path through through Virginia and Kentucky, is threatened by a proposed mountaintop removal coal mine in Dickenson County, Va.
Homeowners near mine struggle with blasting damage
From The Appalachian Voice: Karen and Jerry Kirk live in a home that they believe was damaged during blasting for a nearby surface coal mine. Despite years of frustration, they have been unable to get compensation for the damage to their property.
TAGS: blasting mountaintop removal coal mining Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act surface mining West Virginia
Owning the Mountains: Appalachia’s history of corporate control
By Elizabeth E. Payne Throughout the history of the United States, Appalachia has attracted the attention of outside investors hoping to profit from the region’s valuable commodities. First timber, then coal and now natural gas are all highly valued. To…
TAGS: appalachia Corporate land ownership land ownership land use mountaintop removal coal mining Mountaintop removal impacts
Blasted: Homeowners near mine seek recourse for property damage
Karen and Jerry Kirk live in a home that they believe was damaged during blasting for a nearby surface mine. Despite years of frustration, they have been unable to get compensation for the damage to their property.
Catholic Letter Addresses Environment, Economy
The Catholic Committee of Appalachia’s third pastoral letter highlights the voices of ordinary citizens and focuses on social justice and environmental issues including mountaintop removal coal mining, water quality, climate change, poverty and health.
TAGS: appalachia Catholic Committee of Appalachia Climate change Environmental Justice Health mountaintop removal coal mining poverty social justice Water quality
