The coal industry is trying to exploit the coronavirus pandemic for a tax break at the expense of healthcare and disability benefits for miners with black lung, but miners are pushing back.
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Coal miners call on Congress for support amidst dual threats from black lung and COVID-19
Monday, April 27th, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Bond-forfeited Virginia Blackjewel mines may finally have a buyer
Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Three Virginia strip mines, neglected in the wake of the Blackjewel bankruptcy, may finally have a buyer. But it remains to be seen if the new company would be able to reclaim the land. [ Read More ]
Companies play hot potato with unreclaimed Blackjewel mines
Tuesday, March 31st, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Virginia regulators, a surety insurance company, and two coal companies are playing hot potato with 22 of bankrupt Blackjewel’s coal permits — and none of them want to be left with the responsibility of reclaiming the sites.
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Justice family mines pose massive threat to Virginia reclamation fund
Thursday, March 19th, 2020 | Posted by Matt Hepler | No Comments
Satellite photos taken years apart reveal that little reclamation has taken place at several Virginia mines owned by the family of billionaire West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. [ Read More ]
Virginia issues new enforcement actions for Justice family mine violations
Thursday, March 5th, 2020 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Mining companies owned by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and his family have chronically violated environmental standards and failed to pay fines and fees. Virginia regulators recently issued notices of mine permit revocation and bond forfeiture for two of the family's companies. [ Read More ]
Federal negligence allowed coal companies to shrug off their responsibility for black lung benefits
Monday, March 2nd, 2020 | Posted by Kevin Ridder | No Comments
For decades, coal companies ignored a federal requirement to provide enough funds for black lung benefits — and the government let them. [ Read More ]
Beginning of the end of N.C.’s coal ash crisis
Friday, January 24th, 2020 | Posted by Cat McCue | No Comments
North Carolinians have won a major victory with the announcement that Duke Energy would remove coal ash from its remaining sites. Appalachian Voices is proud to have worked side-by-side with the people who fought so hard, for so long to defend their communities. [ Read More ]
Protected or not? Coal company pushes for mine in protected Tennessee area
Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
Federal regulators are considering a proposal for a new surface coal mine in Tennessee's Cumberland Mountains, despite the fact that in 2016, the federal government declared most of the area in question off-limits to surface mining. [ Read More ]
19 old coal sites identified for innovative development projects
Thursday, October 31st, 2019 | Posted by Cat McCue | No Comments
Appalachian communities are exploring ways to attract new businesses, pull families out of poverty and strengthen skilled workforces. A primary focus is to redevelop old, unused coal sites. [ Read More ]
A decision point for abandoned coal mines
Friday, September 6th, 2019 | Posted by Erin Savage | No Comments
An accurate inventory of abandoned coal mine lands is imperative for understanding the scope of the problem, where funding needs to be directed, and how much funding is necessary. [ Read More ]
Bond forfeitures begin on bankrupt Blackjewel and Revelation mine permits
Thursday, September 5th, 2019 | Posted by Willie Dodson | No Comments
An unreclaimed coal mine has sent mud and debris onto a neighboring property. The mine is one of five Virginia permits owned by bankrupt Revelation Energy and Blackjewel that are now facing bond forfeiture, which means the state or the mines' insurance companies could take over the cleanup. [ Read More ]
Over 100 Miners Heading to Washington to Advocate for Black Lung Benefits
Monday, July 22nd, 2019 | Posted by Tyler Hughes | No Comments
Over 100 miners from across the Appalachian region are traveling to Washington D.C. this week to lobby lawmakers on a number of issues related to black lung disease, a fatal respiratory condition caused by continuous exposure to harmful dust and rock particles in and around coal mines. [ Read More ]
