Testifying Before Congress on Mine Reclamation

Thom Kay, our senior legislative representative, testified before Congress in May regarding reclamation of former coal mines, giving comments on the draft proposal of the Community Reclamation Partnership Act. He advocated for more input from community members and against creating loopholes that would allow coal companies to re-mine on these sites without restrictions.

Thom Kay speaking into microphone during Congress testimony

Thom Kay speaks before legislators.

If passed, the act would amend the federal law governing reclamation of coal mine sites to allow states and nongovernmental groups to work together to restore the impacted land and streams.

The hearing was held by the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources in Washington on May 24.

Meanwhile, our team also continues to fight against new mines. We stood beside Coal River Mountain Watch in support of their appeal of a permit for the Long Ridge mine, which the West Virginia Surface Mine Board declined to hear (read more on page 25).

On May 23 in Logan, W.Va., the National Academy of Sciences held its second public hearing studying the health impacts of surface coal mining.

Ally groups CRMW, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition and Keepers of the Mountains presented their experiences fighting mountaintop removal in West Virginia. Erin Savage, Matt Hepler and Willie Dodson of our Central Appalachian team were on hand to provide comments and support community members.

Two additional hearings will also be held, one in mid-July in D.C. and another in late August that will likely take place in Kentucky.

After 20 years, Letcher County prison proposal is still alive, though obstacles remain

A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.

Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Erwin, Tennessee. Photo by Abby Hassler

The Washout and Rebuild

For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.