Expected new silica dust regulations in mines could combat the rise of black lung disease. However, the effects of an ongoing federal silica enforcement initiative remain unclear.
Blog Archives
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Regulators Poised to Update Miners’ Protections from Silica Dust
TAGS: black lung disease coal miners Mine Safety and Health Administration National Black Lung Association silica dust
Are We Really Recycling?
A look at our recycling systems reveals less of our plastic is actually being recycled than one might think.
How a Pipeline Battle Led an Advocate for Formerly Incarcerated People Into Solar Workforce Development
Richard Walker of Bridging the Gap in Virginia is working to make sure vulnerable communities are not left behind in the green energy transformation.
TAGS: Atlantic Coast Pipeline Civil Rights clean energy jobs equal opportunity formerly incarcerated Richmond Virginia Solar Energy
Trash Trouts are Collecting Litter and Data on Waterway Pollution
These floating devices use a catch-and-release system to trap trash in small tributaries before it reaches main rivers and help gather information on microplastics in waterways.
A Cloud of Coal Mine Dust over a West Virginia Community Points to Regulatory Shortcomings
As residents of the Eunice community in West Virginia grapple with coal mine dust, regulations governing air pollution offer little help.
TAGS: Appalachian coal Clean Air Clean Air Act coal dust coal industry Coal River Valley dust Eunice West Virginia
Blackjewel’s Catastrophic Bankruptcy and the Collapse of the Mine Cleanup System
Blackjewel’s bankruptcy demonstrates how the mine cleanup system is coming undone — and how nearby residents bear the burden when coal companies fail to repair their damage.
TAGS: blackjewel bond forfeiture coal bankruptcy coal companies mine land reclamation mine reclamation pool bond Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act
Biden Administration Proposes Restoration of Mercury Pollution Rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed reinstating a legal finding that supports restrictions on the amount of mercury that may be discharged by power plants.
TAGS: Air Pollution Biden administration Coal coal-fired power plant Mercury and Air Toxics Standards mercury emissions public health Trump administration
In a Nutshell: A Native Forage With Potential
Members of the Nutty Buddy Collective are tending orchards and processing locally foraged acorns and black walnuts into food to make the case that native nuts can once again help keep our communities healthy — and foster healthier forests at the same time.
TAGS: acorns Agriculture non-timber forest products nuts Nutty Buddy Collective Permaculture walnuts
Knoxville Community Group Calls for Affordable Utilities
The Knoxville Water and Energy for All Campaign aims to address unaffordable utility bills and disconnections in the city.
N.C. Families Contend With Mounting Bills
Faced with the threat of utility disconnection and even eviction in the pandemic, many North Carolinians are forced to decide between essentials.
TAGS: covid covid-19 energy democracy Energy Insecurity Energy Security evictions North Carolina Utility disconnections
